Proceedings of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly
held at 9. a.m. on Wednesday, the 3rd July, 1974 in the
Assembly Chamber, Shillong.

Mr. Speaker in the Chair.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

STARRED QUESTION

(To which oral replies were given).

Mr. Speaker :- Starred Question No. 17.

Delay in payment of Stipends.

Shri P. R. Kyndiah asked :

17. Will the Minister charge of Health be pleased to state-

(a) Whether the Government is aware of the
difficulties of medical students now studying outside the State due
to the delay in getting their stipend in time ?

(b) If so, what steps has the Government taken
on the matter ?

(c) Whether the Government proposes
to appoint a Nursing Superintendent in the interest of efficient
nursing administration ?

Shri S. K. Marak (Minister, Health) asked :

17

(a) -Yes, Sir.

(b) -Steps taken include earlier publication of
advertisement for submission of applications, sitting of the
Selection Board, impressing upon the Principals of the
Medical College concerned the necessity for prompt forwarding of
applications and offer administrative measure to cut out
avoidable delays.

Shri B.B. Shallam :- Whether Government is aware
of the fact that there is shortage of C. I. Sheets in Jaintia Hills ?

Mr. Speaker :- The reply is yes.

Shri B. B. Shallam :- May we know on what basis the
allotment of C. I. Sheets is made by the Government District wise ?

Mr. Speaker :- This should have come in the form of a
question. This is concerned with the detailed working of the Department.
Actually it is not necessary for the Minister to present the whole
list as the printed list should have been placed on the Table of the
House.

Supply Gate at Byrnihat

Prof. Martin Narayan Majaw asked :

151. Will the Minister-in-charge of Supply be pleased to
state-

(a) Whether the Government is aware of the
fact that the main post of the supply gate of the Government of Assam at Byrnihat
is planted within the State of Meghalaya?

(b) If so, what action Government proposes
to take in the matter ?

(c) Whether the Government had asked
the Government of Assam to remove this gate ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Supply)
replied :

151.

(a) -Yes.

(b) & (c) -The matter has been taken
up with the Government of Assam and the reply is awaited .

Prof. M. N. Majaw :- 151(b) -When was the matter
last taken up with the Government of Assam ?

(a) The rate of the Meghalaya Transport
Scheme for the educated un-employed youth ?

(b) The number of vehicles allotted to the
educated un-employed youth from the Scheme ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister of Transport)
replied :

152.

(a) -The Bank are to sanction
and disburse the loan to the selected applicants. This they could
not do so far due to sudden and frequent increase in the cost of
vehicles. For the additional cost involved candidates are to
complete formalities with the Banks and additional fund found.

(b) -Nil.

Bifurcation on the control of the G. S. Road

Prof. Alexander Warjri asked :

153. Will the Minister-in-charge of Transport be
pleased to state-

(a) Whether Government proposes to
bifurcate the control of G. S. Road ?

(b) If so, (i) the policy and system for
the bifurcation ?

(ii) The date fixed for completing the
bifurcation ?

(iii) Mode of agreement with Assam
Government for bringing goods to Shillong ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister of Transport)
replied :

153.

(a) -Yes.

(b) -(i) On mutual agreement between the
two States with approval of Central Government.

(ii) -No date fixed. This is under
negotiation.

(iii) -There is no such agreement with
Assam Government. Goods are brought to Shillong by vehicles
of the AMSRTC which maintain the monopoly on G. S. Road. Any other
vehicles which want to ply on this nationalized route have to
obtain No Objection Certificates from the Corporation.

Prof. Alexander Warjri :-153. (b) (ii) Will it be this
year ?

Mr. Speaker :- No date has been fixed. You mean the
negotiation will be this year ? The reply is specifically about the negotiation.

Prof. P.G. Marbaniang :- For any vehicles that
are plying on this nationalized road, is a no objection certificate to be
obtained either from the Government of Assam or Government of
Meghalaya ?

Mr. Speaker :- I think the answer is very
specific, only with the G. S. Road.

Prof. P. G. Marbaniang :- Has the vehicles to go
down to Gauhati to get a special permit to ply within Meghalaya ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Transport) :-
Yes, Mr. Speaker, Sir, this is the G. S. Road, the whole road is
a nationalized road. Therefore, any other vehicles plying on
it, have to get a no objection certificate.

Prof. P. G. Marbaniang :- That is not the reply to my
question.

Mr. Speaker :- I understand your question and
the Minister has already replied. Those who want to ply on this road will
have to get permit from the Gauhati Office which is the main office.

Prof. Alexander Warjri :- What about the vehicles plying
from Shillong to Umsning ?

(a) The number of confirmed
Government M. E. School teacher in Garo Hills ?

(b) The criteria of determining
their seniority in service ?

Shri Darwin D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education)
replied :

155.

(a) -Two.

(b) -The seniority of the officers
is determined in accordance with the order of preference
given by the Public Service Commission or by any other duly
constituted Body (Like Departmental Selection Board etc.)

Shri Plansing Marak :- May I know the authorities which
confirmed the school teachers ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) :- The
Government of Assam.

Shri Plansing Marak :- Whether it is the D. I. of
Schools or the Inspector of Schools ?

(a) The amount earmarked for Border
student's subsidies in Khasi Hills during the year 1973-74 ?

(b) The total amount spent for the purpose
?

(c) The number of applicants for subsidy ?

(d) Whether all those who applied
for were granted ?

(e) If so, the amount granted to
each ?

(f) If not, the reason thereof ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) replied
:

156.

(a) -Rs.2,50,000.

(b) -Rs.1,68,900.

(c) -Rs.2,614.

(d) -No, Sir.

(e)

Hosteller Annually

Non-hosteller Annually

Rs.

Rs.

(i)

Post Matric

300

150

(ii)

High School

150

75

(iii)

M. E. School

100

50

(f) Out of the number shown against question (c) above, 586
applications were rejected for reason that permanent addresses given in
their applications were not included under Approved Border Villages.

Loans for flood damage under Khliehriat Development Block

Shri Lewis Bareh asked :

157. Will the Minister-in-charge of Community Development be
pleased to state-

(a) The names of persons who were granted
loans for flood damage under the Khliehriat Development Block during
1972 ?

(b) Whether proper enquiry was made before
advancing such flood loans ?

(c) Whether Government is aware of the
fact that many recipient of such loans in the village of Thengskai Elaka
Narpuh, etc, under the Khliehriat Development block are actually Jhum
cultivators ?

(d) If so, the reason for granting loans
to such cultivators ?

(e) The number of recipients of loans from
the said villages and the amount granted to each of them ?

Shri Brington Buhai Lyngdoh (Minister, Revenue) replied
:

157.

(a) -A statement showing the names of
persons who were granted loans for flood damage under the
Khliehriat Development Block during 1972 is placed on the
Table of the House.

(b) -Yes.

(c) -No.

(d) -The cultivated areas of the Jhummiers
were affected by flood of heavy rainfall and the crops were washed
away.

(e) -183 at Rs.100 each..

Shri Humphrey Hadem :- Sir, is there any Member
of the House by the name of Lewis Bareh ?

Mr. Speaker :- It has already been corrected (laughter).

Civil Hospital at Jowai.

Shri H. Enowell Pohshna asked :

158. Will the Minister-in-charge of Medical be pleased
to state-

(a) The reason for the delay in
extending the present Civil Hospital at Jowai ?

(b) The reason for not appointing a Civil
Surgeon for the Hospital ?

Shri Sandford K. Marak (Minister-in-charge of Health) replied
:

158.

(a) -The work could not be started earlier
due to shortage of building materials, such as Cement, M. S. Rods,
etc.

(b) -Posting was done but the person
concerned did not join and instead went on leave. Meanwhile, Civil
Surgeon, Khasi Hills is attending to the work of Jaintia
Hills by visiting Jowai every week of the month. Civil Surgeon for
Jaintia Hills will be posted as early as possible.

Shri Blooming B. Shallam :- 158 (a), is it not a fact
that the extension of the present Civil Hospital in Jowai is in good
progress ?

Shri Sandford K. Marak (Minister-in-charge of Health) :-
Mr. Speaker, Sir, the progress is good, is I should say.

(a) Whether it is a fact that
the Government have constructed two Supply gates on the G. S. Road
to check smuggling of food stuffs from Meghalaya to other States ?

(b) If so, :-

(i)

Number of smuggle cases so far
detected .

(ii)

Number and name of persons arrested .

(iii)

Quantity of food grains seized by the
Government.

(iv)

Amount received as fines.

(c) The number of persons
employed and posted in the two gates ?

(d) Whether it is a fact that
Government have appointed Checkers or Gate keepers at these supply gates
without proper interview, police, verifications or examinations,
except on the recommendations of the villages headman ?

(e) If so, whether the
Government proposes to make the appointment of Government
employees only on the village headman's recommendation ?

(f) Whether it is a fact that
the Gate keepers or Checkers at Mawlai Gate are playing cards and
taking liquors openly while on duty and harassing the public and
motorists ?

(g) If so, whether Government
have passed any order instructing the Gate keepers or Checkers at Mawlai
Gate not to harass the local jeeps, local Bazaar Buses City Buses plying
on the G. S. Road ?

(h) The total emolument of
each Checker or Gate keeper of Mawlai Supply Gate ?

(i) How long Government
proposes to continue the posting of Mawlai Supply Gate when the actual
Supply Gate has been constructed at Byrnihat ?

(j) Whether Government is
aware that food stuffs can be smuggled from Meghalaya to other
States through other roads such as Mairang-Ranigodam road,
Nongstoin-Sonapahar-Hahim road, etc ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Supply) replied
:

160.

(a)-Yes.

(b)

(i) Twelve.

(ii) Two, Shri Sayed Md. Hasim
and Shri Bir Bahadur Pradhan.

(iii) (1) Rice 2.37
quintals.

(2) Atta 2.04 quintals.(approx.)

(3) Moida 1.80 quintals.

(4) Sugar 0.50 quintals.

(iv) Nil. Matters are under
police investigation.

(c) -Twelve.

(d) -No.

(e) -No.

(f) -No report has been
received from any quarter for such action of the staff.

(g) -Directions were
given to the staffs concerned not to harass local buses, jeeps, private
vehicles, etc.

(h) -Rs.178.50 P per
month.

(i) -The matter will be
examined in due course. Byrnihat gate alone will not be sufficient.

(j) -The matter is being
investigated and another check gate has been established at Athiabari on
Nongstoin - Sonapahar - Hahim Road.

Shri Dlosing Lyngdoh :-160 (d), how those Checkers or
Gate Keepers were appointed, whether by the M.P.S.C. or by the Selection
Board ?

Shri F. K. Mawlot :- 161. (a), may we know the reasons
why the Committee could not be constituted ?

Shri Sandford K. Marak (Minister, Municipal
Administration) :- The people are not yet ready and the offices have not
been formally located there. It will take time.

Radiographer for the X-Ray in the Ganesh Das Hospital

Prof. Alexander Warjri asked :

162. Will the Minister-in-charge of Health be pleased to
state-

(a) Whether it is a fact that there
is no Radiographer for the X-Ray plant in the Ganesh Das Hospital since
its installation in 1971 ?

(b) Whether Government has deputed
any one of training as Radiographer since 1971 ?

Shri Sandford K. Marak (Minister-in-charge of Health) replied
:

162.

(a)-Yes, Sir. The post will be created shortly.

(b) No.

Prof. Alexander Warjri :- 162 (b), by whom these posts
will be filled up ?

Mr. Speaker :- By Government .

Prof. A. Warjri :-Since the posy will be created, the
Government can send anybody for training.

Mr. Speaker :- The Radiographer is a technician and
the radiologists is a specialists. So, may I know from the Minister -in-charge
whether the post will be created for a radiographer or a
radiologists ?

Shri Sandford K. Marak (Minister-in-charge of Health) :-
The post will be created for a radiologists.

Mr. Speaker :- So far as this question is
concerned, will Prof. Warjri be satisfied to substitute the word
"radiographer" by the word "radiologists". Because if the
word "radiographer" is there, the answer will be different .

Prof. A. Warjri :- I shall repeat this question in the
next session after I have consulted the dictionary on these two words.

Shri F. K. Mawlot :- May we know whether it is not a
fact.............

Mr. Speaker :- Even the word radiographer and
radiologists has not been properly defined ............

Shri F. K. Mawlot :- But since the reply from the
Minister that the post will be created ......

Mr. Speaker :- At least the hon. Member who asked the
question is not satisfied, why should other members make out some other
issues out of it.

Applications for the post of the Driver in the office of
the
Deputy Inspector of Schools, Khasi Hills.

Shri D. D. Lapang asked :

163. Will the Minister-in-charge of Education be pleased to
state-

(a) Whether it is a fact that in the first
quarter of 1974 applications were invited for the post of a Driver
in the office of the Deputy Inspector of Schools, Khasi Hills ?

(b) If so, who called for the
applications ?

(c) The number of the applications
received ?

(d) Whether it is a fact that
the post has already been filled up without calling for
interview ?

(e) -Yes, in respect of the trainees who
came from private schools or were outsiders and that their
applications were recommended by the Principal.

(f) -No, Sir.

(g) -Does not arise.

Shri S. P. Swer :- 165 (a), how many trainees are
there this year ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) :- Mr.
Speaker, Sir, there are 50 plus one from the District Council and 4 from
private schools.

Shri S. P. Swer :- Why did the Minister say 50
plus one from District Council and 4 from private schools.

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) :- Mr.
Speaker, Sir, the District Council was asked to send 50 trainees but apparently
they had, by mistake intimated 51. So 50 joined and later on one more
came and he was allowed to remain in the training centre if the Principal
allowed him to do so.

Prof. M. N. Majaw :- In view of the answer to (e)
& (f), is this practice of giving stipends being continued by the Government
of Meghalaya ?

Mr. Speaker :-In (f), the answer is 'No'. The question
was whether it is a fact that this practice was discontinued by the Government
of Meghalaya and the answer is "No". In other words, it means it
is being continued.

Prof. M. N. Majaw :- Which are the four schools which
have not sent candidates there ?

(a) The number of Headmasters of
Government M. E. School throughout the State ?

(b) Whether all these Headmasters belong
to Grade II Service Cadre ?

(c) If not, the reason thereof ?

(d) Whether there is any bar for a
qualified teacher to become a Headmaster of an M. E. School in
Grade II Service Cadre ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State in-charge of Education)
replied :

166.

(a) -Twenty-nine Headmasters in 29
Government M. E. Schools.

(b) -No, Sir. Only 4 of these 29
Headmasters are in Class II of Assam School Service Cadre in the Scale
of Rs.200-500 per mensem.

(c)-The four Headmaster were in the scale
of Rs.125-275 which was revised to Rs.200-500 as per the
Assam Pay Committee Report, 1964. In giving this scale to those 4
Headmasters, the Assam Government issued an order that those 4
Headmasters should be absorbed in High Schools gradually against
vacancies as and when they occur.

All the other Headmasters of M.E /
M.V. Schools, appointed after 1st April 1964, the date on which the
Assam Pay Committee Report, 1964 was given effect to were appointed on their
grade pay (in the scale of Rs.140-350) plus a special pay of Rs.20
per mensem.

In case of
graduates appointed as Headmasters in M. E. Schools they get the scale of
Rs.175-400 per mensem.

(d)- With effect from 1st April 1964 all posts of
Headmasters of M. E. /M. V. Schools are outside the Class II A.S.S. Cadre.
Vacancies cannot, therefore, be filled up by promotion but by direct
recruitment. There is, however, no bar for qualified teachers to apply.

Shri Plansing Marak :- What is the cadre of the
Headmasters ? In which cadre are they borne ?

Shri Plansing Marak :- Whether there are 3
grades, A or B or C and then Class II. In which cadre these people fall ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) :- I do
not understand the question Mr. Speaker, Sir. The hon. Member said that whether these
teachers are in Class II ? I may say that they fall under the Assam Lower
Schools Service.

Mr. Speaker :- The question is this. That out of the
29 Headmasters, 4 are in Class II. What about the rest ? To which Cadre do
they belong ?

Shri D.D. Pugh (Minister of State in-charge of Education)
:- I require notice, because I do not understand the question, Sir.

Foreign Liquors Shops in the State.

Shri H. E. Pohshna asked :

167. Will the Minister-in-charge of Excise be pleased to
state-

(a) The number of existing foreign
liquor shops in Meghalaya ?

(b) The names and addresses of the
licenses ?

Shri B. B. Lyngdoh (Minister-in-charge of Excise,
etc.) replied :

167.

(a)- 14 (fourteen).

(b)- A statement showing the names and
addresses of the licenses is placed on the Table of the House.

Licenses for country distilleries

Shri H. E. Pohshna asked :

168. Will the Minister-in-charge of Excise be pleased
to state the number of licenses for country distilleries newly granted during
the years 1971-72, 1972-73 and 1973-74 with the names and addresses of the
licenses?

Shri B. B. Lyngdoh (Minister-in-charge of Excise,
etc.) replied :

168.

1971 - 72 - Nil.

1972 - 73 - 6 (six).

1973 - 74 - 10 (ten)

A statement
showing the names and addresses of the licenses (district wise) is placed on the
Table of the House.

Collection of revenue during 1973-74.

Prof. M. N. Majaw asked :

169. Will the Minister in-charge of Finance be pleased to
state the total amount of revenue collected, under various heads, from
non-tribal or partially non-tribal owned commercial firms, partnerships
and proprietorships during 1973-74 ?

Shri B. B. Lyngdoh (Minister, Finance ) replied :

169. The information is being collected and will be
communicated to the hon. Member in due course.

Outstanding Loans

Shri Rowell Lyngdoh asked :

170. Will the Minister-in -charge of Agriculture be pleased
to state-

(a) The total amount of loans
outstanding for the period from 2nd April,
1970 to 31st March, 1974 in respect of :-

(i) Agricultural loans to individuals in
Khasi Hills.

(ii) Loans to Co-operative Societies
in Khasi Hills.

(b) The amount recovered
during the said period ?

(c) The action proposed to be
taken for recovery of outstanding loans ?

Shri E. Bareh (Minister-in-charge of Co-operation) replied
:

170.

(a) -The total amount of loans
outstanding for the period from 2nd April, 1970 to 31st
Marak, 1974 in respect of :-

(i) Was Rs.60,000 (Rupees sixty
thousand).

(ii) Was Rs.72,04,045.99P. (Rupees
seventy two lakhs four thousand forty five and paise ninety
nine.)

(b) -The amount
recovered during the said period in respect of -

(i) Rs.1,87,500.

(ii) Rs.25,83,687.57 P.

(c) -For Agricultural Loans to
individual, in Khasi Hills, notices have been issued to the defaulters
and the cases will be referred to the Bakijal Officer if no
recovery is made by July, 1974.

With regard to loans of Co-operative
Societies in Khasi Hills, it is proposed to intensify the
drive for recovery of the outstanding loans jointly by the field staff of
the Meghalaya Co-operatives Apex Bank and the Co-operative Department during
the harvesting season through persuasive measures. If
persuasive measures fail, coercive measures will have to be
taken to effect recovery by filing arbitration cases against the
defaulters as provided under the Meghalaya Co-operative Societies Act and
rules framed there under.

Prof. Warjri :- 170 (a) are there any loans outstanding
in the Scheme of House Building Loan ?

Shri E. Bareh (Minister, Co-operation) :- That is a
new question, Mr. Speaker, Sir. He wants to know for house building which
I am not concerned, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Mr. Speaker :- The answer is there.

Shri E. Bareh (Minister, Co-operation) :- It does not
concern house building.

Shri Winstone Syiemiong :-170 (a) (i) and (ii),
may we know the interest out of this amount ?

(a) Whether it is a fact that
the L. P. Schools within the Shillong Municipal area are under the direct
control of the Deputy Inspector of Schools, Shillong ?

(b) If so, the number of
Schools of the following categories within the Shillong Municipal area-

(i) Khasi Medium L. P. Schools.

(ii) English Medium L. P. Schools.

(iii) Garo Medium L. P. Schools.

(iv) Bengalee Medium L. P. Schools.

(v) Hindi Medium L. P. Schools.

(vi) Assamese Medium L. P. Schools.

(vii) Other Medium L. P. Schools.

(viii) Government L. P. Schools.

(ix) Government Aided Schools.

(c) The number of Inspecting
Officers under the Deputy Inspector of Schools Shillong, who can read
and write all the media adopted by the various L. P. Schools
in the Shillong Municipality Area ?

(d) Whether it is a fact
that Private Schools have been securing better results than the
Government Schools ?

(e) If so, what measures
Governments propose to take for improvement of its Schools ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State in-charge of Education)
replied :

171. (a)-Yes, Sir.

(b)-

(i)

21 Nos.

(ii)

18 Nos.

(iii)

1 No.

(iv)

10 Nos.

(v)

7 Nos.

(vi)

8 Nos.

(vii)

10 Nos. (7 Nepali and 3 Urdu).

(viii)

1 No. (Khasi Medium).

(ix)

All the schools shown in (i), (iii), (iv), (v),
(vi), (vii) above and 3 schools shown in (ii) above are Aided Schools.
Total number of Aided Schools comes to 60.

(c) -None.

(d) -No, Sir.

(e) -Does not arise.

Shri D. D. Lapang :- (c) Sir. How the inspection work
is done when the inspecting staff do not know the language ?

Mr. Speaker :- When the number of inspecting
officers is nil, it means that there is no inspecting work.

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) :- The
answer is not nil. None of these inspectors know all the languages.

Mr. Speaker :-How is the inspection done, when they
do not know the languages ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) :- Mr.
Speaker, Sir, as I said earlier in this Session, the inspectors inspect
only the physical aspects of the institution, for instance the
administrative and management aspect. They check the enrolment staff and
the equipments etc. But as I said earlier, on the academic side, of
course, except for those schools where either we have no English or
Khasi medium, the inspection cannot be conducted .

Shri Dlosing Lyngdoh :- (c). How can they know the
number of students when they do not know to read write in that language ?

Mr. Speaker :- They know from the Headmasters
and the teachers.

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) :-
Inspectors asked the Head teacher on the enrolment in each Class and
made note of it.

Shri Dlosing Lyngdoh :- Then is requires an
interpreters, Sir.,

Mr. Speaker :- You mean to say that the teachers
do not know how to speak English ?

Shri D. N. Joshi :- In view of the answer
given by the Minister, may I know if there is any proposal to
recruit people in the inspecting staff who know different languages ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, Education) :- By
that question does the hon. Member mean whether a person should know all
the five languages. That is not possible, and there is no proposal.

Construction of a motorable road to Lumparing

Shri D. D. Lapang asked :

172. Will the Minister-in-charge of Public Works Department
be pleased to state -

(a) Whether it is a fact that the
provision for construction of a motorable road to connect Lumparing with
the rest of the town was made in the 4th Plan ?

(b) If so, when the road was constructed ?

Shri D. D. Pugh [Minister of State, P. W. D. (R &B)] replied
:

172.

(a) -Proposal to construct a road to
Lumparing (Chaprasi Tilla ) in Shillong to a suitable point 1.80 Mile at
a cost of one lakh was included in the 4th Five Year
Plan of the Composite State of Assam.

(b) -Above Scheme was not implemented
by the Government of Assam even up 18th of April, 1972.
When Meghalaya became a full. fledged State. In 18th April
1972 the P.W.D. took up the Scheme on the basic of Annual Plans
and the road under reference was not included.

Shri P. N. Choudhury :- 172 (b), do the Government
propose to construct other different roads, Sir. ?

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, P. W. D) :- Mr.
Speaker, Sir, it has been included in the 5th Five -Year Plan
but not in the Annual Plan for 1974-75.

Shri D. D. Lapang :- May we know when the roads
will be taken up for construction ?

Mr. Speaker :- That is already in the answer .

Shri P. R. Kyndiah :- Whether it is true that
Meghalaya became a full fledged State on 18th April 1972 ? (Laughter).

Shri D. D. Pugh (Minister of State, P. W. D) :-
No, Mr. Speaker, Sir, there should be a common before 'on'.

Amount surrendered by the different departments.

Shri G. Mylliemngap asked :

173. Will the Minister-in-charge of Finance be pleased to
state the total amount surrendered by the different Departments of the
Government during the financial year, 1973-74 (Head wise) ?

Shri B. B Lyngdoh (Minister of Finance) replied :

173. The required information is stated below -

STATEMENT SHOWING THE TOTAL AMOUNT SURRENDERED BY THE
DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS DURING 1973-74.

"Misc-Social & Dev. Organisations-Misc.-(VI-Directorate
of Social Welfare Dev. Sch. Fifth Five Year Plan)-II-Other State Plan
Schemes-C-3-Contribution-Financial assistance to Dist. Council for
construction".

2,92,014.

00

Health Department

1. "29-Medical"

5,74,017.

00

2. "30-P. H. Health-I"

4,47,867.

00

3. "30-A. F. Planning"

10,71,292.

00

The probable savings of the Departments from the
Schemes included in the Annual Plan Budget of 1973-74 have been
located and re-allocated to other schemes.

Grand Total .....

Rs. 5,13,93,674.73

Fair Price Shop's Dealers in Garo Hills

Shri Singjan Sangma asked:

174. Will the Minister-in-charge of Supply be pleased to
state -

(a)

Whether it is a fact that subsidy Fair Price Shops
are allowed to be opened only within the recognised border areas of
Garo Hills?

(b)

If so, the number of such Fair Price Shops opened
in Garo Hills and the name of dealers with their addresses along with
the location of Subsidy Fair Price Shops?

Shri S. D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister of Supply) replied:

174.

(a) -Yes.

(b)-There are 55 Subsidised Fair Price Shops
in Garo Hills. The names, location an addresses are as follows:-

Name of dealers

Name of Centre

Address

(1)

(2)

(3)

1.

Shri Diren Marak

Sangkenigiri

Gamladingiri.

2.

Shri Nibaran Saha

Renigiri.

Sibbari.

3.

Shri Jimison Sangma

Mindikgiri.

Mindikgiri

4.

Shri Debitson D. Shira.

Dambuk-Apal

Rongra.

5.

Shri Arbinson Marak

Melimagar

Rongkhon agal.

6.

Shri Jogesh Hajong

Nilwagiri

Sibbari.

7.

Shri Nemson Marak.

Ashugiri

Bolchugiri.

8.

Shri Vitus R. Sangma.

Kharukol.

Alokpang.

9.

Shri Ansing Sangma.

Anangpara

Salmanpara.

10.

Shri Sonachan Sangma.

Kolapara.

Chengkhali.

11.

Shri Benedish R. Marak

Dumnikura.

Kolapara.

12.

Shri Jogat Sangma.

Papagiri

Sibbari.

13.

Shri Dasarath Paul

Jatrakon

Tura.

14.

Shri Erinal Marak

Moheskola (A)

Moheshkola.

Shri Emison Sangma

Moheshkola (B)

Moheshkola.

15.

Shri Chekan Sangma

Silkigiri

Silkigiri.

16.

Shri Ishan Barman

Mahendraganj (a)

Mahendraganj.

Shri Pradhan Sangma

Mahendraganj (b)

Nogorpara.

17.

Shri Biswambar Prasad

Kodaldhowa

Tura.

18

Shri Jira Sangma

Chokpot

Chokpot

19

Shri Somir Momin

Sibbari

Sibbari

20

Shri Lebith Marak

New Sibbari

Sibbari.

21.

Shri Jitson Marak.

Katuli (A)

Kalaichar.

Sukdeo Prasad

Kutuli (B)

Tura.

22.

Shri Ronendra N. Hajong

Baksapara

Baksapara

23.

Shri Tahil Sangma

Mibonpara

Mibonpara

24.

Shri Blue Marak

Thinakgiri

Tura.

25.

Shri Gojosing Sangma

Rongasigiri

Rongasigiri

26

Shri Mansing Sangma

Damdiloka

Damdiloka

27.

Shri Jansing Sangma

Jatra-Adugiri

Silkigiri

28.

Shri Cornel Marak

Mahadeo (A)

Baghmara

Shri Ramu Sangma

Mahadeo (B)

Baghmara

29.

Shri Benendra Sangma

Mitapgiri

Mitapgiri

30.

Shri Santi Ranjan Paul

Tarapara

Tura.

31.

Shri Pubon Marak

Sesengpara

Darenggiri.

32.

Shri Nogorsing Sangma

Salmanpara

Tura.

33.

Shri Nagseng Marak

Makhalpara

Makhalpara

34

.Shri Jengo Sangma

Siju (A)

Siju

Shri Sona Sangma

Siju (B)

Siju

35

. Shri Probhatson Marak

Zikzak

Anangpara

36

Shri Hiralal Prasad

Purakasia (a)

Tura.

Shri Nangan Lasker

Puraksia (B)

Jarangkuna.

37.

Shri A. Zalil.

Kalaichar.

Boldamgiri.

38.

Shri Mohim Marak

Chengali

Chengkali.

39.

Shri Trison Marak

Rongra

Rongra

40

Shri Rengjin Marak

Nengkhon

Nengkhon

41.

Shri Marwin R. Sangma

Rongru-Asim

Rongru-Asim

42.

Shri Mangal Sangma

Kenigiri

Monagiri.

43.

Shri Mingson Sangma

Sandongdapgiri.

Sathelekgiri.

44.

Shri Jatindra Seal.

Okkapara.

Tura.

45.

Shri Patrick Marak.

Baghmara (A)..

Baghmara.

Shri Uma Sanker Prasad

Baghmara (B)

Tura.

46.

Shri Willington Rongmuthy

Bonbera

Bonbera.

47.

Shri Enally Marak

Cengapara.

Jarangaon.

48.

Shri Rengjin Marak

Emangiri

Nengkhon.

49.

Shri Raghubir Sing.

Gasuapara.

Tura.

50.

Shri Nogorsing Sangma

Ganchikolak

Tura.

51.

Shri Purendra Barman.

Betasing

Betasing.

52.

Shri Jadunath Koch

Ampati

Ampati.

53.

Shri Filim Hajong.

Mohenbagamegiri.

Sibbari.

54

Shri Bellison Sangma.

Nangalbibra (A)

Nangalbibra.

Shri Swarath Prasad.

Nangalbibra (B)

Tura.

Shri Dinderson Sangma

Nangalbibra (C).

Nangalbibra.

55

Shri Mintu Marak

Rongrikimigiri

Sibbari.

Shri Pritington Sangma :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, whether
Government is aware of the fact that the retailers sellers from the 3 blocks
have not been listed.

Mr. Speaker :- In other words, the hon. Member
is asking whether this list is complete ?

Shri S. D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Supply) :- The
list is given according to the number of Fair Price Shops that have been
opened

Mr. Speaker :- That is a piece of information that the
Minister may take note of.

Atta Chaki Mills in Garo Hills.

Shri Singjan Sangma asked :-

175. Will the Minister-in-charge of Supply be pleased to
state-

(a) The total number of Atta Chaki Mills
operating in Garo Hills. at present with their milling capacity ?

(b) The total quantity of wheat allotted
to each of the Atta Chaki Mills in Garo Hills from December, 1973
to May, 1974 ?

(c)Whether it is a fact that the quota of
wheat is being allotted to each of the Atta Chaki Mills on the basis of
their capacity ?

(d) Whether it is a fact that free
sales of atta are usually made by the mills ?

(e) If so, the quantities sold by each of
these mills during the period from 1973 to May, 1974 ?

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Supply)
replied :

175.

(a)-There are 5 Chaki Mills operating at
present in Garo Hills. Their names and milling capacity are as under :-

Names of the Mills

Capacity per day.

1.

M/s K. C. Rice and Flour Mills, Garobadha

50

Quintals

2.

M/s Sumitra Atta Chaki Mills, Phulbari

75

"

3.

M/s Garo Hills Atta Chaki Mills, Phulbari

50

"

4.

M/s Garo Hills Cottage Industries, Tura.

15

"

5.

M/s Kazi and Zaman Rice and Atta Chaki Mills, Bhaitbari

50

"

(b)-The total quantity of wheat allotted to each Chaki Mills
during the period in question is as follows :-

Names of the Mills

Quantity allotted
(in tonnes).

1.

M/s K.C. Rice and Flour Mills, Garobadha

105.

2.

M/s. Sumitra Atta Chaki Mills, Phulbari.

250

3.

M/s. Garo Hills Atta Chaki Mills Phulbari.

315.

4.

M/s. Garo Hills Cottage Industries, Tura.

50.

5.

M/s Kazi and Zaman Rice and Atta Chaki Mills,
Phulbari.

120.

840

M/Tonnes

(c) -Allotment is made depending upon the
availability of stock, capacity of the mills and dependability of
the machines, etc.

(d) -Generally the Mills are not
allowed free sale, but on certain occasion this is allowed
due to accumulation of stocks to avoid deterioration of quality.
Free sale on such occasion is allowed for a specific area only.

(e) -The following quantity of atta was
allowed free sale to each of the mills, namely :-

Names of the Mills

Quantity (in quintals)

1.

M/s K. C. Rice and Flour Mills, Garobadha

.....

612

2.

M/s Sumitra Atta Chaki Mills, Phulbari

.....

440

3.

M/s Garo Hills Atta Chaki Mills, Phulbari

.....

1400

4.

M/s Garo Hills Cottage Industries, Tura.

.....

450

5.

M/s Kazi and Zaman Atta Chaki Mills, and Rice
Mills, Bhaitbari.

.....

153

Monthly demand and supply of rice.

Shri Hopingstone Lyngdoh asked :

176. Will the Minister-in-charge of Supply be pleased to
state-

(a) The monthly demand of rice and the
actual supply to each District in the State for the year 1973-74 upto
May 1974 ?

(b) Whether it is a fact that several
thousand quintals of rice were transported from Shillong to Garo Hills
in the month of May, 1974 ?

(c) If so, the quantity and the person who
received the same ?(the date of the receipt to be shown).

Shri Stanley D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Supply)
replied :

176. (a) -Khasi Hills-

Actual demand in quintal

Actual supply in quintal

April

1973

35,000

15,296.

May

"

35,000

20,519

June

"

35,000

16,543

July

"

35,000

11,988

August

"

35,000

11,511

September

"

35,000

11,000

October

"

35,000

8,053

November

"

35,000

19,447

December

"

35,000

29,375

January

1974

35,000

30,500

February

"

35,000

30,814

March

"

35,000

24,900

April

"

35,000

29,533

May

"

35,000

26,056

Garo Hills

April

1973

14,000

10,000

May

"

10,000

9,000

June

"

10,000

9,000

July

"

10,000

8,500

August

"

10,000

7,000

September

"

10,000

6,000

October

"

10,000

8,000

November

"

12,000

13,000

December

"

2,000

2,000

January

1974

6,500

6,500

February

"

4,000

4,000

March

"

5,500

5,500

April

"

9,000

9,000

May

"

14,000

12,000

Jaintia Hills

April

1973

3,650

3,111

May

1973

3,650

3,111

June

"

3,650

3,111

July

"

3,650

3,111

August

"

3,650

3,111

September

"

3,650

3,111

October

"

3,650

3,111

November

"

3,650

3,111

December

"

3,650

3,111

January

1974

3,650

3,111

February

"

3,650

3,111

March

"

3,650

3,111

April

"

3,650

3,111

May

"

3,650

3,111

(b) -Government is not aware of the fact.

(c) -Does not arise.

Price of Government Subsidised charged by Wholesalers

Shri Brojendro Sangma asked :

177. Will the Minister-in-charge of Supply be pleased to
state-

(a) Whether it is a fact that the price
of Government Subsidised Rice charged by the Wholesalers at Baghmara is
higher than that of the Wholesalers at Tura ?

(d)-The Wholesalers do not lift rice,
atta, flour, sujee, etc, from Tura to Baghmara themselves but by the
lessees appointed for the purpose on tender basis.

(e)-No. The Fair Price Shops are to
lift the essential commodities from the appointed Wholesalers in
Baghmara circle. The transport and handling charges incurred in
transporting the essential commodities from Tura to Baghmara by
the lessees are borne by Government under the Essential Commodities
Transport Subsidy Scheme for the Border Areas.

(f)-Does not arise; but the following
quantities of essential commodities were issued by the
Wholesalers to the Fair Price Shops (Centre-Wise) from January, 1974
till 15th June, 1974-

Centre

Rice

Sugar

Atta

Flour

Subject

1.

Nangalbibra

160 quintals

10 bags

16 bags

8 bags

....

2.

Rongra

200 quintals

10 bags

44 bags

24 bags

5 bags

3.

Mahadeo

270 quintals

10 bags

64 bags

36 bags

5 bags

4.

Rongru-Asim

100 quintals

10 bags

30 bags

50 bags

10 bags

5.

Baghmara

190 quintals

16 bags

80 bags

65 bags

15 bags

6.

Siju

160 quintals

12 bags

48 bags

26 bags

.....

7.

Nilwagiri

20 quintals

10 bags

22 bags

16 bags

1 bags

8.

Moheskhola

160 quintals

12 bags

39 bags

35 bags

......

9.

Bonbera

165 quintals,

10 bags

37 bags

32 bags

.....

10.

Nengkong

30 quintals

10 bags

7 bags

5 bags

....

11.

Imangiri

55 quintals

10 bags

12 bags

36 bags

10 bags

12.

Dambu -Apal

75 quintals

10 bags

20 bags

20 bags

.....

13.

Kharukol

25 quintals

10 bags

20 bags

10 bags

........

1650 quintals

140bags

439bags

363bags

46 bags

(g) -The following factors are also taken
into consideration for selection of whole salers besides the provisions
of Clause 5 (1) of the Meghalaya Food grains (Licensing Control)
Order, 1972.

The financial soundness of the person,
business experience, availability of storage facility at one's disposal
and reliability of the person concerned.

(c) -Quantity issued from 1st January 1974 to 15th
June 1974 in quintals and bags-

Rice

Atta

Sugar

Sujee

1.

21.00

3 bags.

8.00

--

2.

19.18

3 "

8.00

---

3.

46.90

3 "

18.00

--

4.

21.24.

3 "

6.00

---

5.

82.46

3 "

30.00

--

6.

23.10

3 "

9.00

--

7.

43.20

6 "

14.00

--

8.

24.30

3 "

9.00

--

9.

15.00

5 "

6.00

--

10.

41.19

5 "

16.00

--

11.

93.30

3 "

49.00

--

12.

79.98

3 "

33.00

--

13.

19.32

3 "

7.00

--

14.

165.76

3 "

50.00

--

15.

37.94

3 "

14.00

--

16.

37.38

3 "

7.00

--

17.

48.45

5 "

12.00

1 bag.

18.

25.80

4 "

8.00

1 bag.

19

29.82

3 "

13.00

--

20.

66.48

12"

16.00

1 bag.

21.

31.08

3 "

13.00

--

22.

60.75

5 "

24.00

---

23.

68.49

11"

26.00

1 bag.

24.

72.24.

4 "

25.00

--

25.

16.78

5 "

6.00

1 bag.

26.

17.70

6 "

5.00

1 bag.

27.

---

--

---

---

28.

---

--

---

--

29.

41.44

3 "

15.00

---

30.

101.12

6 "

32.00

1 bag.

31.

352.62

37"

96.00

1 bag.

32.

198.72

28"

50.00

1 bag.

33.

112.50

17"

26.00

1 bag.

34.

319.77

37"

83.00

1 bag.

35.

108.45

18"

28.00

1 bag.

36.

105.30

15"

32.00

1 bag.

37.

46.20

7 "

7.00

1 bag.

38.

59.36

3 "

22.00

--

39.

35.00

3 "

12.00

--

40.

84.45

13"

26.00

1 bag.

41.

93.24

3 "

37.00

--

42.

70.73

11"

18.00

1 bag.

43.

31.50

3 "

11.00

---

44.

56.14

3 "

18.00

---

45.

80.92

3 "

27.00

---

46.

83.14

3 "

29.00

---

47.

18.90

3 "

10.00

---

48.

75.74

3 "

26.00

---

49.

44.52

3 "

15.00

----

50.

23.70

7 "

9.00

1 bag

51.

47.40

7 "

18.00

1 bag.

52.

57.75

8 "

13.00

1 bag.

53.

27.30

6 "

9.00

1 bag.

54.

22.96

3 "

7.00

--

55.

32.70

7 "

6.00

1 bag

56.

31.78

3 "

11.00

---

57.

41.30

3 "

15.00

---

58.

47.74

3 "

19.00

---

59.

18.20

3 "

7.00

--

60.

33.60

3 "

12.00

--

61.

23.10

4 "

3.00

---

62.

21.30

6 "

7.00

1 bag

63.

34.95

6 "

11.00

1 bag

64.

28.20

6 "

7.00

1 bag

65.

22.40

3 "

8.00

---

66.

15.90

6 "

6.00

1 bag

67.

32.16

3 "

14.00

---

68.

48.00

4 "

15.00

1 bag

69.

30.66

3 "

12.00

--

70.

42.54

3 "

13.00

---

71.

38.50

3 "

14.00

---

72.

20.86

3 "

8.00

----

73.

31.22

3 "

12.00

--

74.

39.34

3 "

21.00

--

75.

39.62

3 "

8.00

--

76.

34.95

2 "

8.00

1 bag.

77.

23.12.

3 "

5.00

----

78.

29.76.

3 "

7.00

---

79.

16.66

3 "

4.00

--

80.

26.46.

3 "

8.00

--

81.

72.90.

4 "

12.00

--

82.

26.40

3 "

6.00

--

83.

6.84.

3 "

3.00

---

84.

15.59

4 "

5.00

---

85.

16.48

3 "

2.00

---

86.

---

---

2.00

---

87.

---

---

3.00

--

Mr. Speaker :- Before we pass on to 179, it will be
more convenient on the part of the Minister, the House and for the efficient
working of the Members that this kind of long information should be
placed on the Table of the House.

Taking over of Assam Government Press.

Shri Parsvanath Choudhury asked :

179. Will the Minister-in-charge of Printing and Stationery
be pleased to state.:-

(a) The date when the Assam Government
Press, Shillong was taken over by the Government of Meghalaya ?

(b) Whether formal orders for
taking over were issued by the Government ?

(c) If not, why ?

(d) The total number of Supervisory,
Industrial and Ministerial staff of the Government of Assam working in
the Press at present ?

(e) Whether all the members of the staff
are on deputation to the Government of Meghalaya ?

(a)-According to Section 7 (i) of the
Sixth Schedule to the North Eastern Areas (Re-organisation) Act,
1971 of the Government Press, Shillong passed to the State of Meghalaya
on 21st January 1972.

(b) and (c)-The Government Press at
Shillong came over to Meghalaya with effect from 21st January,
1972 under the provision of the North Eastern Areas (Re-organisation)
Act, 1972. As such, the issue of formal orders of this effect
was not considered necessary.

(d)-The total number of Supervisory,
Industrial and Ministerial staff deputed from the Government of Assam
and working in the Government Press, Shillong, at present are -

Gazetted

....

5

Non-Gazetted

(Industrial)

-

Supervisory

....

18

Others

....

325

Non-Gazetted

(Ministerial)

-

Supervisory

....

1

Others

....

65

Total

414

(e) -Yes, on deputation but without any
deputation allowance.

(f), (g), and (h)-It is proposed to retain
only the requisite number of staff needed for execution of the
works of the Meghalaya Government and other usual works in
the Government press Shillong, and the excess staff will be
replaced at the disposal of the Government of Assam. So far, 33
Industrial and Ministerial staff have been transferred to Assam and
further replacement of staff is under examination of this
Government and the matter is being taken up with the
Government of Assam.

Tribal and Non-Tribal Contractors in Garo Hills.

Prof. Martin Narayan Majaw asked :

180.

(a) Will the Chief
Minister be pleased to refer to the replies to Unstarred Questions No.
156 (a) and No. 36 given on the 7th July and on the 6th
December 1972 respectively and state whether the
information with regard to non-tribal contractors in the Garo Hills
District has since been collected ?

Rs.600 per mensem (Normal) for 5 months
from 1st October 1970 to 28th February 1971.

Rs.300 per mensem (Plan) from 2nd April
1970 to 28th February 1971.

Rs.100 per mensem (Plan) Additional grant
for 6 months from 1st September 1970 to 28th February
1971.

1971-72.

Rs.600 per mensem (Normal) and Rs.400 per
mensem (Plan).

1972-73.

Rs.600 per mensem (Normal) and Rs.400 per
mensem (Plan).

1973-74.

Rs.600 per mensem ( Normal) and Rs.400 per mensem
(Plan).

(c)-There are two categories
of teachers in Aided High School Corresponding to Class II A. S.
S. and Assam Lower School existing in Government Schools.
The qualifications required , as prescribed under "The
Amended Assam Aided High and Higher Secondary Schools, Employees
Rules " are :-

(i)

Assistant Teacher -At least a Bachelor's
Degree.

(ii)

Other assistant teachers :-

(a) A simple pass in the first Part of the
Degree Examination. or.

(b) A Matriculate Normal, or

(c) Such other qualifications as may
be prescribed by Government from time to time.

Employment of a Retired Headmaster

Shri Winstone Syiemiong asked :

182. Will the Minister -in-charge of Education be pleased to
state-

(a) Whether it is fact that Shri K. R.
Deb, retired Headmaster of the Shillong Government High School has been
re-employment as Headmaster of Shillong Jail Road Boys
High School ?

(b) Whether it is also a fact that he
has been drawing his salary equivalent to the last pay drawn
by him in Government service over and above his pension ?

(c) -Fixation of his pay was made on
the basis of a contract deeds executed between him and the
School authority. However the matter is being reviewed.

Shri Hopingstone Lyngdoh :- 182. (a) What are the
terms of the contract ?

Mr. Speaker :- What are the terms of the contract in
the appointment of Shri K. R. Deb. ?

Shri Darwin D. Pugh (Minister of State in-charge of
Education) :- He is drawing his last pay drawn.

Shri Winstone Syiemiong :- May we know, if the last
pay given to him can be termed as a contract ? Will the Minister please clarify
that ?

Shri Hopingstone Lyngdoh :- Sir, what are the terms
of the contract ? I think the contract must be categorical.

Prof. Martin Narayan Majaw :- Certainly, how can a man
get his pension as well as draw the last pay drawn ?

Shri Darwin D. Pugh (Minister of State in-charge of
Education) :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, I require notice to reply to the
question asked by the hon. Member from Nongspung.

Mr. Speaker :- I think the hon. Member from Nongspung
has asked about the terms of the contract but it appears you are not
prepared to answer. You may require notice because you cannot point out
only one thing.

Shri Hopingstone Lyngdoh :- Another Supplementary,
Sir, with whom the contract was signed. Who were the parties ?

Shri Darwin D. Pugh (Minister of State in-charge of
Education) :- The school authorities and the Headmaster.

Shri Parsvanath Choudhury :- Sir, whether the contract
was approved by the Government ?

Mr. Speaker :- How many questions will you ask and
how can you expect the Minister to reply to so many questions ?

Prof. M. N. Majaw :- But, Sir, this is an
important matter on how the Government can re-employ a person and then
give him pension also.

Shri Darwin D. Pugh (Minister of State for Education) :- Mr.
Speaker, Sir, when the matter was brought to our notice we had taken
up with the school authorities and the A. G. The matter now is under
review.

Mr. Speaker :- I do not understand your word
"technical" but the high school cannot be a technical
institution. Certainly the Shillong Jail Road Boy's High School cannot be
called a technical institution. I think I will not allow this kind of
question. It appears that the whole thing is for the Government to take
down notes as pointed out by the hon. Members regarding the
terms of the contract and the whole objection here arises
not that of the person but of the principle as to why the incumbent should draw an
amount equivalent to his last pay drawn plus his pension.
That is the only controversy and why should we get excited over this.

Shri H. Hadem :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, may I ask one more
supplementary question ? Under what specific rules that these employee has
been allowed to draw both pension and pay ?

Mr. Speaker :- That is what the hon. Members have been asking the
Minister and he has asked for leave of the House that he needs
notice.

Shri Maham Singh :- Only one more question, Sir.
What is the age of this teacher ?

Shri Darwin D. Pugh (Minister of State for Education) :-
Since I do not recall when he retired, I cannot calculate his age.

Land for Girls Hostel of the Jowai High School.

Prof. M. N. Majaw : asked :

183. Will the Chief Minister be pleased to state-

(a) How much land was acquired
for Girls' hotel of the Jowai High School. ?

(c) -The Project was
administratively approved at Rs.4,08,700. An amount of Rs.50,000 has
been provided in the current year's P. W. D. Budget .

(d) -Construction work has not yet been
started.

(e) -Nil

(f) -Expected year of completion
will be 1976 subject to availability of building materials.

Shri B. B. Shallam :- 183 (b) Sir. May we know the
reason why there is delay in the matter of construction of this hostel
in spite of the fact that acquisition of land was made 10 years ago ?

Mr. Speaker :- That is argumentative.

Prof. M. N. Majaw :- 183 (d), Sir. Why was the
construction delayed.

Shri D.D. Pugh (Minister of State for Education) :- Mr.
Speaker, Sir, the Chief Engineer, yet to give his approval and as soon as
that is done the work will be started.

Shri Maham Singh :- Why was there delay in giving
the approval ? The approval could not have been given at least from 1970.

Mr. Speaker :- That becomes argumentative. If
you had asked, only why there delay in the approval it would have
been allowed. But further than that becomes argumentative.

(A voice : He should reframe his question).

Shri D.D. Pugh (Minister of State for Education) :-
Mr. Speaker, Sir, we have not instructed an enquiry as to why
there is delay but I presume that since this is an old
matter which has been laying pending, the filco must have got stuck
somewhere. (Laughter).

Mr. Speaker :- At least for the Girl's hostel there
seems to be lively interest.

Shri B.B. Shallam :- Has anything been done due
to detect the whereabouts of the file ?

Shri D.D. Pugh (Minister of State for Education) :-
Yes, Mr. Speaker, Sir. And attempt will be made to start the work.

Shri H. Hadem :- Is it a fact that the parents of the
girls students.

Mr. Speaker :- Are you still in 183 ?

Shri H. Hadem :- Yes, Mr. Speaker, Sir. The
parents of the girl students are incurring extra expenditure in view
of the fact that there is no girls' hostel.

Mr. Speaker :- That is irrelevant.

Sub-Inspectors of Schools for Garo Hills.

Shri H. S. Lyngdoh asked :

184. Will the Minister-in-charge of Education be
pleased to state-

(a) The matter of the different
Sub-Inspectors of Schools for Garo Hills since 1970 till 1973 with their
qualifications and length of service of each ?

(b) Whether it is a fact one Hubert R.
Sangma the Senior most Sub-Inspector of Schools Garo Hills, is
superseded by his junior ?

(c) If so, why ?

(d) Whether it is a fact that one
Bijon Buhari former Sub-Inspector of Schools, Garo Hills, has been
appointed Deputy Inspector of Schools of Simsanggiri Sub-division ?

(e) If so, why and when ?

Shri D.D. Pugh (Minister of State in-charge of Education)
replied :

184.

(a) -A statement is placed on the
Table of the House.

(b) -No, Sir.

(c) -Does not arise.

(d) -Yes. Sir.

(e) -Shri B. B. Richil is next in
seniority to Shri Harold Momin, D. I of Schools, Tura. Hence
he was appointed as D. I. of Schools Simsanggiri. Appointment order was
issued on 3rd May 1974 and he took over-charge on 1st
June, 1974.

Integrated Child Development Centre.

Shri W. Ceil R. Marak asked :

185. Will the Minister-in-charge of Social Welfare be pleased
to state-

(a) Whether it is a fact that the
State Board of Social Welfare has recommended to the Government to open
the Integrated Child Development Centre at Selsella in Garo Hills
District ?

(b) -There is no difference in
sanction of non-recurring grants. Generally, however, weightage
is given to ad-hoc grant colleges which are yet to grow upto the
required standard; except in cases where grants are required by
deficit colleges for completion of schemes assisted by U. G.
C. or other specific expansion programmes.

(c) -A statement is placed on
the Table of the House.

(d) -All the four factors
except No. (v) are taken into account along with other important
factors some of which are :-

(i)

Actual need of the college.

(ii)

Proven ability of the college to utilize
grants fruitfully and past performance in utilizing the grants.

Expenditure on Nutrition Exhibitions

Shri Rowell Lyngdoh asked :

188. Will the Minister-in-charge of Community Development be
pleased to state-

(a) The total expenditure incurred
in each Development Block for holding the Nutrition
Exhibitions in the State so far ?

(b) Total amount so far spent
by each Block for prizes and awards ?

(c) The benefit or achievement that
has accrued from such exhibitions ?

(c) -Twenty numbers were sent during
1971-72 and an amount of expenditures Rs.11,000, 20 Nos. were sent
during 1972-73 and the amount of expenditure is Rs.12,000, 15 Nos. were
sent during 1973-74 and the amount of expenditure is Rs.15,000.

(d) - Participants are exposed to new
ideas and the practice obtaining in industrialised States.

Advertisement of posts by Industries Department.

Shri G. Mylliemngap asked :

196. Will the Minister in charge of Industries be pleased to
state -

(a) The number of posts advertised by the
Industries Department from Upper Division Assistant Cadre onwards during
the year 1971-72, 1972-73 and 1973-74 ?

(b) The number of tribals and non -
tribals appointed against such advertised posts.

(c) The number of posts re-advertised more
than once, for want of qualified candidates ?

S.D.D. Nichols - Roy (Minister, of Industries) :
replied :

196.

(a)-

1971-72 - 8

1972-73 - 16

1973-74 - 3

(b)-

1971-72 - Nil

1972-73 -5 (Tribals)

Nil (Non-Tribals).

1973-74 - 1 (Tribal).

Nil (Non-Tribals).

Shri G. Mylliemngap:- How many posts of U.D.As
and onwards are lying vacant since 1971-72 ?

(c) -Not economically viable. Besides the
quality of ginger available in the region was not found to be suitable
for dehydration.

(d) -As the premises of the plant at
Nayabungalow in Electric Over has been loaned to Sericulture and Weaving
Department, Government of Meghalaya.

(e) -The Manager died on 22nd September,
1973. The machine operator was absorbed in the office of the Assistant
Director, Cottage Industries, Shillong.

The Store
Keeper was absorbed in the Scheme Lime Making Plant, Sutnga in Jaintia Hills.

The 4th
grade was absorbed in the Office of the Assistant Director, Cottage Industries,
Shillong.

Shri H.S. Lyngdoh:- When was the Dehydration
Plant established ?

Shri S.D.D. Nichols - Roy (Minister, Industries):-
It was during the time of Assam Government. For the exact date I require notice.

Prof M.N. Majaw:- To what purpose is the
building belong put up ?

Shri S.D.D. Nichols - Roy (Minister, Industries):-
I require notice.

Income -Tax from Contractors and Sub - Contractors

Prof. Martin Narayan Majaw asked :

198. Will the Minister in charge of Finance be pleased to
state -

(a) Whether it is a fact that a circular
was issued on 24th July 1972 asking Heads of Departments and
other Executive officers to see that income tax is deducted at source
from contractors and sub - contractors ?

(b) If so, the full text of this circular
?

(c) Whether it is a fact that another
circular was issued on the 24th October, 1972 clarifying that
the instructions referred to in (a) above do not apply to tribal
contractors and sub - contractors and sub-contractors who are exempted
from payment of income tax ?

(d) If so, the full text of this Circular
?

(e) Whether any other Circular was issued
which modifies, amends or cancels the Circular referred to in (c) above
?

(f) If so, the full text of this Circular
?

(g) Is Government aware of the fact that
Income Tax is still being deducted at source from all Public Works
Department contractors and Sub-contractors ?

(h) If so, what steps does Government
propose to do in the matter to protect tribal contractors and
Sub-contractors ?

(a) -A circular under Memo No.
ERT (T) 80/72/33, dated 24th July 1972 enclosing a copy of
Government of India's letter F. No 275/9/72 - ITJ, dated 29th May
1972, containing instructions regarding deduction of income tax at
source from payments to contractors / Sub-contractor was issued to all
Administrative Departments, Head of Departments for guidance and to
bring the instructions to the notice of all disbursing officers and
State undertaking under their control.

(b) -A copy of the Circular is placed on
the Library Table.

(c) -Yes.

(d) -A copy of the Circular No ERT (T)
80/72/58, dated 24th October, 1972 is placed on the Library
Table.

(e) -Circular under Memo No. ERT (T)
41/73/69, dated 13th February 1974 laying down the procedure
in regard to production of Income - Tax Clearance Certificate by tribal
contractors was issued to all Administrative Departments and Heads of
Department.

(f) - A copy of the Circular is placed on
the Library Table.

(g) - No.

(h) - Steps as indicated against (e) above
have already been taken to protect the interests of tribal. contractors
/ sub - contractors with a view to facilitating implementation, suitable
instructions have also been issued to all concerned by the Public Works
Department.

Shri M.N. Majaw:- Would the Government
consider issuing order not to collect income - tax from the contractors
belonging to the scheduled tribes ?

Shri B.B. Lyngdoh (Minister, Finance):- Sir,
this matter cannot be settled by this Government alone it has to obtain
concurrence from Government of India.

Prof M.N. Majaw:- Will the Government return
the Income tax so collected afterwards ?

Mr. Speaker:- This is argumentative. I know
the Minister concerned had already replied that they would go in to the matter
thoroughly.

Accommodation for Officer and Courts of the District and
Sessions Judge at Shillong.

Prof. Alexander Warjri asked :

199. Will the Minister-in-charge of Law be pleased to state -

(a) Whether it is a fact that the Office
and courts of the District and session Judge at Shillong are housed in
three small rooms in D.C's Office ?

(b) Whether it is fact three or four
office Assistant of the District and Sessions Judge are crowded in one
table?

(c) Whether Government purposes to house
the court and the office of the District and Sessions Judge in a
separate building, with courts, consulting rooms for lawyers and G.Ps -
Office, etc .?

(d) If so, when ?

Shri Brington Buhai Lyngdoh (Minister-in-charge of Law)
replied :

(a) -The court of the District and Session
Judge is located in the District Court building. The offices of the
District and Sessions Judge, Assistant District Sessions
Judge and Munsiff are located in two small rooms of the said
building.

(b) -Yes.

(c) & (d)-The question of giving
adequate and suitable accommodation to the courts of
Shillong are under active consideration of the Government.

Prof. A. Warjri :- Sir, I do not understand what
does it mean by Courts of Shillong ?

Shri B. B. Lyngdoh (Minister, Law ) :- The Courts of
Shillong means the Courts which have got the jurisdiction
exclusively over Shillong .

Prof. A. Warjri :- What is the jurisdiction of
the District and Sessions Judges here ?

Shri B. B. Lyngdoh (Minister, Law ) :- At present
their jurisdiction is only over Shillong.

CALLING ATTENTION

Mr. Speaker :- Before we take up the next item I would
like to inform the House that this time out of 25 Starred Questions
received and sent the Government has given answer to 19. So, the
performance is higher than that of previous Session ; the percentage being
76. So far as Unstarred Questions are concerned, we have received and
sent 280 Questions and Government has given reply to 199 Questions.
Performance here is still better ; it is 71.07 percent.

Shri K. M. Roy Marbaniang :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, what
about other questions which have not come out in the Assembly
?

Mr. Speaker :- Notices of all unanswered questions,
according to Rule lapse you have to give fresh notice, if you
want.

Shri D. N. Joshi :- In view of the percentage of
mark granted by Government in respect of Questions, may I
expect that the Government will come out with 100 percent next time ?

Mr. Speaker :- It may be possible of course, for the
Government to answer 100 percent only if the hon. Members ask
questions which are to the point. In such case Government can reply without any
hesitation.

Shri Humphrey Hadem :- May I suggest to the Government
through you, Sir, that such big volumes of questions will not
be rushed like this on the last day of the session.

Mr. Speaker :- I have been requesting from the very
first day that the Government should come up with replies to at least 15 or
20 questions every day, and that is partly the reason why the Government had
been sending replies to questions expeditiously. Today, being the last day
we have to rush with the answers. It is better that the answer come in
any number than not at all. Let us pass on to item No.2. Shri D. D. Lapang
and Shri W. Syiemiong to call the attention of the Minister-in-charge of
Power under Rule 54 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of
Business in Meghalaya Assembly to a newly item published in
the Assam Tribune on June 1st, 1974 under the
caption "ASSAM STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD SERVES NOTICE TO SHEL ON ARREAR
OF OUTSTANDING DUES.".

*Shri D. D. Lapang :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to call
the attention of the Minister-in-charge of Power under Rule 54 of the Rules
of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Assembly to a news
item published in the Assam Tribune on the 1st June,
1974 under the caption "Assam State Electricity Board serves notice
to shel on arrear of outstanding dues".

Mr. Speaker :- Now you can make a short statement.

Shri D. D. Lapang :- In the news item it is
clearly stated that if the Shillong Hydro Electricity Ltd. will not clear all
the outstanding dues before the 20th July, 1974, the Assam
State Electricity Board will discontinue the supply power to the
Shillong Hydro Electric Co. Ltd. The outstanding arrears is of the tune of
Rs.7 lakhs, and it was also mentioned in that news item that after serving
several reminders by the Assam State Electricity Board, the Shillong
Hydro Electric Co. Ltd. did not pay any attention or take any action.
Therefore, Mr. Speaker, Sir, it may be recalled that the
public of Shillong had been suffering a lot of shortage of power.

Mr. Speaker :- That has been already stated in the new
item.

Shri D. D. Lapang :- Before the Assam State
Electricity Board came to the rescue, we were facing shortage of power in
Shillong and now the number of power consumers of Shillong has become much
higher than before the Assam State Electricity Board came to the rescue.
Now, Sir, if the Assam State Electricity Board will
discontinue its supply of power to the Shillong areas, the outcome of that
would be better imagined than described. There would be power
interruption every would then that would cause convenience to
the people of Shillong. Now, I want that the Minister-in-charge of Power to
enlighten on this.

Shri S. D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister, Power) :- Mr.
Speaker, Sir, the Assam State Electricity Board supplies power to the
Shillong Hydro Electric Company Ltd. at four points viz. Nongthymmai,
Bidon Falls, Mawlai and B. S. F. sub-station. The arrear as per latest
bill submitted to the Company amounts to Rs.17,37,202.88. As per regular
procedure a disconnection notice was served by the Board on the Company the
Shillong Hydro Electric Company Ltd. have asked for some time in order to
reconcile the demands and have also stated that they are finding it
uneconomic to work at the current rates. No proposal has been
received from the Company for revision of taraiff. The Government a as also
taken up the arrear question with the Company and has asked for
copies of their latest balance sheets to examine their working. The matter of
disconnection of power supply to Shillong Hydro Electric Company Ltd.
is kept in abeyance by the Board for the present. The Government is fully
alive to this situation and will take all possible steps in the interest of
public.

Shri D. D. Lapang :- But according to the news
item it is stated that the Assam State Electricity Board had served notice
that they will disconnect all supply if the Shillong Hydro Electricity Company
would not clear all arrears before 20th of this month.

Shri Singjan Sangma (Chairman, Privileges Committee) :- Mr.
Speaker, Sir, I beg to present the Seventh Report of the Committee of Privileges
matter relating to complaint of breach of privilege by Shri Humphrey Hadem, M.
L. A. against the Editor, Printer and Publisher of "The
Implanter" for publishing a new item under the caption "In Jaintia
Hills Politicians prepare for election".

Mr. Speaker :- Item No. 4.

Shri Maham Singh (Chairman House Committee ) :- Mr.
Speaker, Sir, I beg to present the second Report of the House Committee.

Presentation of the Seventh Report of the Committee of
Privileges.

Mr. Speaker :- Item No. 5.

Shri Singjan Sangma (Chairman, Privileges Committee) :-
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the Assembly agrees to the extension of
time for submission of report of the Committee of Privileges till 31st December,
1974 on the privilege matter moved by Prof. Majaw, M. L. A. against the Editor,
Printer and Publisher of a local English weekly " The Implanter:" for
publishing a new item under the caption "Will MISA be invoked
in Meghalaya ".

Mr. Speaker. :- Motion moved. The question is that
this House agrees to the extension of time for submission of
Report by the Privileges Committee till 31st December, 1974.

(The motion was carried)

Mr. Speaker :- Item No. 6.

Shri Singjan Sangma (Chairman, Privileges Committee) :- Mr.
Speaker, I beg to move that the Assembly agrees to the extension of
time for submission of the Report of the Committee of Privileges till the 31st
December, 1974 relating to a complaint of breach of privilege
and contempt of the House moved on 8th December,
1973 by Shri H. Hadem M.L.A. against Shri Upstar Kharbuli, M.L.A. and Shri
E.K. Mawlong, M.D.C.

Mr. Speaker :- Motion moved. The question is that
leave be granted for extension of time for submission of the Report by the
Privileges Committee till 31st December, 1974.

(The motion was carried)

Motions

Mr. Speaker :- Item No. 7.

Shri Singjan Sangma (Chairman, Privileges Committee) :- Mr.
Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the Assembly agrees to the extension of
time for submission of the Report of the Committee of Privileges till the
31st December, 1974 relating to a question of breach of privilege
moved on the 8th December, 1973 by Shri H. Hynniewta against Prof. G.
G. Swell, M. P. and Deputy Speaker.

Mr. Speaker :- Motion moved. The question is that this
House agrees to the extension of time for submission of the report by the
Committee of Privileges till the 31st December, 1974.

(The motion was carried).

Mr. Speaker :- Let us now pass on to item No. 8 Shri
D. N. Joshi to continue his discussion on the motion moved by Shri Hopingstone
Lyngdoh.

Shri D.N. Joshi :- Mr. Speaker, Sir, the matter of
employment on which yesterday I touched upon regarding the absorption of
tribal employees who are serving the Government of Assam. They were forced
to go down to the plains of Assam to serve the State of Assam even after
the achievement of a full-fledged State of Meghalaya. Sir, those employees who
are now at Dispur under the Government of Assam did not like to go down to
Gauhati out of their own sweet will. But they had to go down due
to the circumstances that were created by the creation of this State of
ours.

They thought that
this State of their own, would give them shelter by absorbing them here and most
of them had contributed their might to make the State a beautiful and prosperous one.
Since they are Government servants, they could not take part in any
polities openly but they gave their moral support for achieving
of a full-fledged State of their own. They had their cherish goal fulfilled
in the creation of a separate full-fledged State. But Sir, after this
separate full-fledged State of our own was created these poor employees and
to leave it because they were forced by the Government under which they
are uptil now serving, to go down Gauhati. They therefore, had to
leave their State of their own origin, a place of their birth, they had to leave
even their members of their families here in Shillong for no fault of
their own. These people who all along were enjoying the pleasant cold
climate of Shillong during the composite State of Assam, now to have to suffer a
lot there in the plains of Assam due to heat of the plains.

Not only that Sir.
I am told that now they are subjected to various types of mental
torture by the plains people of the Government of Assam. Even
the subordinate officers in office use to harass them, to
torture them mentally and sometimes make a laughing stock out of them
because none of them knows the official language of the State where they
are serving. Some of the staff I am told, are even insulted of course jokingly,
on unfounded grounds that these educated and literate persons are
responsible for the creation of a separate State out of the composite State
of Assam. They were blamed that it was under their instigation
that Assam was divided. So they are every now and then insulted and
harassed in many ways so that they may feel inclined to go back
to the place of their birth. But Sir, they are still compelled
to be there and suffer because they are earning their
bread and they have no other alternative but to serve in the
plains of Assam. Our State Government has given them assurances before
that as soon as avenues of employment are created in the State,
these people would be absorbed here in our own State. But, Sir, up
till now nothing tangible has been done by our Government to do so.

Therefore, I
request Government through you, Sir, that avenues of employment should be
created now in order to bring back our own brothers and sisters who
are now languishing in the hot climate of the plains, who are not at all
happy and satisfied with the present Government which they serve.

Moreover, Sir,
these poor people are suffering a lot because of the spiraling rise of prices of
essential commodities and besides that they have got two separate establishments
to look after. They have to look after themselves there at Dispur as well as
their family members here in Shillong, a job which makes them to suffer. Their
children and their members of families have to live from hand
to mouth depending upon them at Dispur. Naturally their cost of living
will increase their emolument remains the same. In the plains
they have to spend more for keeping their mind and body cool by resorting
to taking cold drinks which entail more expenditure on them.
Since they have got their wives and children here in Shillong and
because Gauhati is not very far from Shillong, they are tempted
to come to Shillong at any time and as soon they have to spend a lot
of money on coming and going. Sometimes they have to return on the
same day, but due to non-availability of seats in the Transport,
they fail to get tickets and have to stay back here. Thereby
their casual leave or other leaves at their disposal are exhausted and
sometimes due to this, they are called for explanation in their office at
Dispur. But they have to avail leave because they could not return
on the same day due to non-availability of tickets in the transport
office. So these are their practical day to day difficulties and
therefore, once again I would request this Government of ours to
take necessary action to create more avenues to absorb them
here.

Sir, just now
during the question hour, Government came up with a reply on the question of
advertising the posts in the Industries Department put forward by Mr. Groswell
Mylliemngap. The Government have come up with a reply that in Public Works
Department in 1973-74 six posts have been created and six persons have been
recruited. But all of them belong to scheduled tribe communities. Well,
Sir, Government have made a policy of recruiting 15 percent from
non-tribals and 5 per cent from scheduled caste who also belong to
non-tribal. But Sir, here I find that no non-tribal has been recruited out
of these six persons. At least one post should have been given to one
non-tribal. Therefore, an apprehension is there in the minds of the reduced
minority people who are very much the citizens of the State because
in the matter of recruitment their aspirations are not yet fulfilled. It
seems the Government is very discriminating in this matter. So in
order to dispel this feeling between the minority people and the
Government I would request Government through you, Sir, to create a
Minority Cell under this Government placed under its Ministry so that
these irregularities could be avoided and I believe the aspirations
of the minority community here in the State are fulfilled and looked into
with the due consideration by the State Government.

Thank you.s

Mr. Deputy Speaker :- Any other Member who would
like to participate ? As there is no hon. Member who would like to
participate I call upon the Chief Minister to reply.

*Shri W. A. Sangma (Chief Minister) :- Mr. Deputy
Speaker, Sir, as you may very well recall, this particular subject has come
up for discussion on number of occasions in the past. Government also have had
occasions reply to the points raised during the course of discussion. Today
the motion deals with the policy which has been adopted by the
Government in the matter of recruitment. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, in
the past, through the discussions, Government have to inform the House
with regard to its policy. I would, in the first instance, deal with
the point raised by the hon. Member with regard to the absorption of the
Meghalaya employees specially, tribals, serving under the Assam
Government. In pursuance of the relevant Section of the Assam -Meghalaya .
Re-organisation Act, the Government has adopted a policy decision that the
personnel serving in the Government of Assam should be absorbed in
this new State of ours. While doing so, we have also to think about
the employment opportunities in respect of the educated unemployed. In
this connection, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would refute the arguments that
have been put forward by various hon. Members who said that these
Government servants who are still serving under the Government of
Assam also contributed secretly for bringing the Statehood of
Meghalaya. As such they argued that these people should have been absorbed
in Meghalaya. In this connection, I would like the hon. Members to pause a
little. It may be true that these people have indirectly contributed
towards achieving the State-hood, but it should remembered by
all of us that State hood has come not as a result of the support of
a certain action of people, but it has come into being with the support of
the masses. We have thousands and thousands of volunteers, both educated and
uneducated. Is it not the responsibility of the Government to think
about all these people ? I am sure the hon. Members, if they really
consider these problems seriously, coolly and with a comprehensive
approach will agree with me that in this particular question Government
should strike a balance, in the sense that we should try to accommodate those Meghalayans,
particularly the tribals who are still serving under the Government
of Assam. But at the same time, you cannot leave out the hundreds of educated
unemployed who have also contributed a lot towards achievement of the full
State. It will now be a fair that a certain balanced policy is
adopted by the Government. It is in that context, that Government has laid
down a policy. While we are convinced that both sections of the people, I
mean those un employees, who are under the Government of Assam and the
educated employed, we are also to consider about the need for experienced
persons. I think, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the hon. Member will agree with me
that in setting up of a new administration, unless we are in a position to
get the services of experienced people and if we are to depend
entirely on the new recruits the administration will suffer. Taking
these factors into consideration we have laid down a policy that as far as
filling up of the posts of Lower Division Assistants in the Secretariat is
concerned, we have decided to bring 60 per cent at the moment from
the Assam Secretariat and 40 percent of the posts to be filled up by direct
recruitments for the post of Lower Division Assistants in the Heads of
Departments, 30 percent of the posts will be filled up by new recruits and
70 percent to be brought from Assam Government. Stenographers Grade II and
III-50 percent by direct recruitment and 50 percent by absorption Typists, 20
percent by direct recruitments and 80 percent by absorption. This is the
policy adopted by the Government in the matter of recruitment as far as
the Government services are concerned. It has been alleged that in the
matter of absorption, the case of non-tribals has not been giving due
consideration. In this connection, may I request the hon. Members to
appreciate one very vital factors, and also to recollect the
immediate reasons under which the hills people were being separated from
Assam. That was the language policy. There, they function
according to the State language adopted by the Government of Assam. I am sure my
colleagues the non-tribals know that the Khasis, the Garos and the Jaintias, do
not know Assamese language. They do not know how to read and write Assamese.

Therefore, that
aspect of the matter has to be considered. This is not because we do not want
that the cases of other should not be considered. Here also we have to
strike a balance. We have to examine to what extent a
particular person or the people belonging to a particular community
will be more handicapped and will be less handicapped. I think the
hon. Member from Cantonment has realized this and as such, I think
he will appreciate the stand taken by the Government. But I must
make it clear that it is not a fact that we have been neglecting
the cases of non-tribals. In fact, in some cases, in respect of some
posts, we have no other alternative but to bring them in
because of their specialized training in a particular fields, even if
we know that our tribals would be left out. Therefore, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir,
I would request the hon. Members to realize this very important factor while
trying to absorb the personnel serving under the Government of Assam.
Subject to correction, uptil now in the Secretariat , we have been able to
entertain by means of absorption 313, persons in the Directorates 336 persons belonging
to different categories. By direct recruitment in the Secretariat as many
as 143 posts have been filled up as against 330, in the Directorate 242
persons belonging to different categories of posts have been filled up as
against 336. The total number of persons absorbed is 649; the total number
of posts filled up by direct recruitment is 385. From this figure it will
be appreciated that we have tried our best in consonance with
our policy in trying to entertain educated unemployed people also.
The remark made by the hon. Members who have come forward to criticize the
Government for is appointment policy is uncalled for. What is the
alternative policy which would have been adopted by them ? Unfortunately,
I have not been given that chance, instead I find that there is a contradiction.
Though I was not inside the House while the subject was discussed ,
but from the notes I got from my colleagues, I find there is absolute contradiction between
the views expressed by Prof. Majaw and Mr. Mawlot. Mr. Mawlot's opinion is
that in the matter of appointment preference should be given to those who
are unemployed while Prof. Majaw says that we must absorb all
people serving under the Government of Assam. When they are already in service,
I am yet to know what would be this policy in this particular matter.
Now it appears that there is a tug of war among the hon. Members belonging
to the same group. One hon. Member belonging to the group advocate
that all the people who are still serving under the Government of Assam
should be absorbed, while the other members say "no". Since they
are in service, preference should be given in the matter of appointment
to those who are unemployed. From the other group, there is a very
important suggestion. According to the hon. Member from Shillong Cantonment we
have got to look after the interests of the minorities. He said
that there should be a Minister or Cell which will deal with the interests of
the minorities. I am not going to agree to this proposal because that will
mean that for want of a Cell, the Government has to neglect the interests
of this section of the people. I can assure whether there is a
special Cell or not, their interest will be adequately safeguarded.
I am to inform the hon. Members through you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, that if
you take a complete picture of the composition of the services under the
Government of Meghalaya you will find that in the highly technical
posts and in the administrative services, the number of non-tribals is
more. I do not grudge it because I must get the right men to serve in the right
department. When I do not have anybody from among the tribals, I
have no other alternative but to get the services of such persons.
Due to shortage of time, it will not be possible for me to give a concrete
picture about it. But I can cite examples. In the medical line there are a
few tribal doctors most of them are non-tribals. In the engineering
section and technical sections, we do not have people to
man them. Now it is not correct to say that for want of candidates from
among the tribals, the Government keep the appointments in abeyance.

I do not agree to
that because if we do so, all developmental programme will suffer. We need quite
a large number of engineers, but we do not have qualified
engineers in adequate number among the tribals -though the reservation is
there- to execute the programmes under the Fifth Five Year Plan.
Therefore, I must get the technical personnel immediately. So we have to go
ahead with the recruitment-keeping in view the time when we shall be able
to have our own required personnel in the nearest future. It is not
possible to get such personnel from among ourselves. I have no
alternative but to appoint them. Some people have suggested
that the appointment should be made on contract basis for three years. We have
to examine that. Suppose you make the appointment on contract basis for 3 years,
and the questions aims whether after 3 years we get sufficient number of
such people or not. This is a very important factor to be taken into
account. Therefore, I would appeal to all the hon. Members to realise that
we have not brought this statute only to give appointments to non-tribals
but we have brought the statute with a view to serving the people and
bringing about all round development of the State. As such we must have the
necessary man-power. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, for this purpose, also we
have already get up a Cell, a Man Power Cell. Now this particular Cell is
attached to the Planning Department and is trying to examine the man power
requirement of the State. Unless we make a correct assessment of the man
power requirement of the State and give the necessary training to serve
the State in different fields , we shall be handicapped. It is in
that context that we have set up a Cell to deal with man power requirement
and it is under the aegis of the North Eastern Council. Also the man power
requirement covers for Meghalaya and the North Eastern States. So here
also it will be appreciated that we are very much concerned in getting the
requisite man power for execution of development activities of the State.
Now a complaint has been made with regard to the employment by the private firms
and establishments. It was complained by the member from Cantonment that in
the Employment Exchanges names were not registered. Names of persons were
not registered unless they produce a Residential Certificate. That is
obligatory under the Act. It was also complained that no instructions have
been given to the private firms and establishments for the employment of local
people. Well, though we have not taken up this question separately,
instructions issued by the composite State of Assam still hold valid. According
to that, if a particular establishment or a particular firm is to
entertain persons for employment, if it exceeds 25 persons, they
must advertise through the Employment Exchange. That instruction still
holds valid and is being alone. In the case of Central Government Officers
except those posts which are to be filled up by Union Public Service
Commission by advertisements all other vacancies are to be channelised through
the Employment Exchange Offices. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, it has been alleged
that there was no advertisement for filling up the posts of
constables and as such the response is bad and our people are not getting the
opportunity to serve in the force. In this connection, I will inform the
Members that attempts were made to get the candidates through
advertisements, but response was very poor. So what the Government has
decided is this. As in the case of recruitment to the Army and the Territorial
Army and such other forces, a recruiting team goes to the
interior places and tries to find out suitable candidates with
advances information and publication. We also decided to do the same. We
decided to have a recruiting team and this team will visit to different
importance places throughout the State. They will visit all the three different
district and the recruitment of personnel will be met This will be
announced during the bazaar days through mikes and other media so
that people can come in adequate number for appearing before the recruiting team.
I hope that will be a good and proper arrangement than mere advertisement for
recruitment of the personnel to the police force. It was also suggested by
Mr. Mawlot, that in the Central Government offices reservation should be
made for the tribals, the hill tribals and for that purpose
Government should take the initiative. In this connection, I may inform
the hon. Members Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, that we have taken up the matter with
the Central Government Offices located in Shillong to kindly give preference
to the local people especially to those employees who are still serving in
the Government of Assam as it is not possible, inspite of the best efforts of
the Government to absorb all the persons who are now serving in Assam. We
are requesting them and in fact we have some correspondence with the
Government of India, in the Ministry of Home Affairs, to give instruction to
various Central Governmental Offices located in Shillong to give preference to
the persons who are still serving in the Government of Assam, and also to
give preference to the local people. At our own level also we have been
trying up this matter with the authorities of the Central Government
Offices located in Shillong. As you may be aware Deputy Speaker, Sir, the
pay scale and the terms and condition of service of the Assam Rifles under the
Government of Assam are the same to those of our State. As such we have been
trying to pursue with the authorities of the Assam Rifles whether
these people who are serving under the Assam Rifles which
is located in Happy Valley, would like to go down to Dispur and serve
under the Government of Assam in exchange for an equal number of tribal
employees to fill up these vacant posts to be brought from Dispur. Up
to now, about 47 persons of the Assam Rifles have expressed their
willingness and the matter is under correspondence with the Government of
Assam and we have also taken up the matter with the Defense Accounts which have
got an executive branch functioning here in Shillong. The original
idea was to have the Defense Accounts offices located here by bifurcating the
offices now located at Patna. But for various persons, the proposal, the
proposal could not be implemented but even then we have been taking up this
matter with the Ministry of Defence. I myself personally took up this matter
with the Secretary of Defence, Shri Govinda Narayan who was previously the
Home Secretary, and recently I have been informed that through the original
programme may not be possible for implementation they are going to increase the
functions of the Defense Accounts here in Shillong. When this scheme
is implemented, then it may be possible to entertain the local people, say 20 to
30 in number. Therefore, it will be appreciated by the hon. Members that
we have not been sleeping over this matter but we have been
trying to explore all the possibilities. There is a complaint that in the matter
of recruitments, though certain percentage has been fixed in favour of Khasi and
Jaintias and Garos, it not implemented properly or sincerely.
I must admit, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, that as such as reservation quota for the
Garos is concerned, for want of adequate number of qualified candidates,
the reserved posts could not be filled up. As you know before the Public
Service Commission was created for making recommendation of
candidates for filling up the posts, we have the Selection Board at
the State level. Through the Selection Board, the posts carrying pay
into Rs.500/- were filled up. At that time also percentage of post, reserved for
the Garos also could not be filled up as there was lack of adequate number of
qualified persons or some of them were found unfit for the job. We
know there has been a resentment from the Garos without knowing the
reasons. So we thought it may be good to have some sort of a special
Committee consisting of the officials of the Personnel Department and some
other persons to go down to Tura and conduct the examination and interview
so that the reserved quota of posts can be filled up accordingly. This
Committee went down to Tura and conducted special examination and
interview, and through it, as many as 56 candidates were found eligible
for the posts of Lower Division Assistant. However, there were some
difficulties in the recommendation made by the special Committee because
in the meantime the Public Service Commission came into being. Therefore,
as a matter of court the recommendation of this Special Committee did not
hold good. However, I am glad to inform the House that we have taken
up the matter with the Chairman of the Meghalaya Public Service Commission.
Since the same type of examination has been conducted by the
Commission, we made a suggestion whether the Public Service Commission
could accept the recommendations of the Special Committee for filling up the
posts. I am glad to inform the House that they have agreed to that.
So that the vacancies which are yet to be filled up by Garos will be
filled up soon. I do not know under what stand the hon. Member from
Mawhati has suggested that since the 40 reservation of posts
for the Garos could not be filled up by the Garos candidates, he has
suggested to reduce it to 30 percent. I am sorry I cannot accept
that because that has been made to fill up the posts and this has been
done not to give special benefits to other communities. The hon.
Members will agree with me that in the present composition of
staff or present set up of the administration we will find three types of
communities the Khasis, Garos and Jaintias. As the Garos are found not
adequately qualified, it is only in that context that the Government thought it
necessary to give them chances by reserving 40 percent for the Garos and 40
percent for the Khasis and Jaintias. Attempt is being made to fill up the posts
by them subject to availability of candidates.

We
have also decided that in a particular examination held by the Commission, if it
adequate number of candidates does not come forward, we are not going to filled
up the posts in the first instance by others but we are going to instruct the
Commission that in such a case, the post should be re-advertised in order to
give a better chance better there is a complaint that sometimes the
advertisements did not reach other places in time. This aspect of the matter is
being taken care of. We are trying to see that advertisement reaches the
different places well ahead of time. Well, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, as this
matter has come up for discussion on a number of times, I think the Garo members
will remember that I have made the same reply in the past. I have placed before
the House the policy of recruitment of the Government as far as the posts under
the Government are concerned. Apart from that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I take
up a number of other schemes like Half-A-Million Jobs Programme, Crash
Programme, rural development programme etc., to give employment to the rural
population. We have also instructed the public undertakings to adhere to the
policy of the Government in the matter of recruitment keeping in view the
percentages of reservation of posts of the different communities in the State.
Now as far as filling up of the posts in the district offices is concerned, we
have got a District Selection Board. Now because of the composition of the
population district-wise, we have to change the ratio of percentage of
reservation. So we have revised the reservation from 40 percent to 80 percent
the Garo Hills District or Khasi Hills District or Jaintia Hills District that
is for the posts to be filled up under the District offices by the District
Selection Board. Therefore, it will be natural that in the Khasi Hills District
majority of the Khasi will be recommended in the Garo Hills District most of the
Garo will be recommended, so also in the Jaintia Hills the majority of Jaintias
will be recommended. Now this broad policy laid down by the Government has been
discussed. I would therefore, not take much time but I can assure, the Garo
Members through you, Sir, who are very much concerned about this employment
problem in the State that Government is well aware of this. We are committed
also that even at the time of employment, we have to look to the interest of the
different communities living with in the State. After all we are Meghalayans,
and in this, I think we shall be able to get proper appreciation of the problem
from the different communities and after having that, we shall also get their
co-operation. The reservation should be understood in the context of giving some
preference to the weaker sections of the population, and not only in this State
that we are facing this. I am sure that this policy of recruitment by the
Government will be appreciated by all hon. Members and the people in the State
as a whole. With these words, Sir, I resume my seat.

*Shri F. K. Mawlot :- Mr. Deputy
Speaker, Sir, in course of his reply, the Chief Minister, passed a remark that
the hon. Member from Mawhati and myself were contradicting each other
on the question of absorption of the employees who are still serving
under the Government of Assam. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I have not mentioned
anything about the non-absorption of the employees now serving under the
Government of Assam. In fact, I also fall in line with the hon. Member from
Mawhati that these employees who are serving under the Government of Assam
should have been absorbed long ago right from the beginning. But what I was
referring to was the appointments, made in the State. Whenever any vacancy
occurs, applications were not called but it was filled up by a person who is
already in service inside the State itself. This is the point which I was
referring to. But regarding the absorption I fall in line with the hon. Member
who has stated that this should have been taken up long ago, and those people
should have been absorbed.

*Shri W. A. Sangma (Chief Minister) :-
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I speak, subject to correction. I have had the occasion
to reply to this question of absorption and the question of filling up of posts
by direct recruitment.

Prof. M. N. Majaw :- Mr. Deputy
Speaker, Sir, may I also on a point of clarification, point out that had the
Leader of House been paying close attention to our speeches yesterday, he may,
have been better informed than what
he got from his colleagues because I asked not only for the reduction of 40
percent for Garos, but my intension was to give to the 3 Districts
representation that means Jaintia Hills District also because it is not included
in the percentage. That was my proposal. The reservation is given only to the
Khasi and Garos and the Government, it seems, has no interest for the Jaintias.
Other important points which should have been replied to is (i) on seniority. I
give specific cases of juniors
superceding their seniors. That was not replied. Whether Government is going to
continue this practice of haphazard, appointment and No.2. is (ii) on
confirmation. Nobody has been confirmed. To my knowledge these people have been
serving for many years and they are not being confirmed. And No.3. is on
efficiency of the persons appointed it has been noticed that it even in matters
of ordinary routine nature like the
drinking water for Shillong there is a colossal mistake.

*Shri W. A. Sangma (Chief Minister) :-
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, these are details. The motion is to discuss the policy
adopted by the Government in the matter of recruitment. Now I cannot go into
details of the number of people who were appointed in the Transport Organisation
or other Departments. Only the policy of the Government in respect of
appointment should be discussed through this motion.

*Prof. M. N. Majaw :- Objections
should have been made during the debate Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. But since the
Chief Minister feels that this is boring the House by repeating the replies
again and again, I would like that the question on seniority may be replied.

*Shri W. A. Sangma (Chief Minister) :-
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, regarding the protection of the service of those who
were brought from Assam, this policy is laid down in the Act. We may not bring
them to Meghalaya to their disadvantage. We cannot do that. There is a provision
in the Act. We are governed by that provision in the Act, until complete
bifurcation is effected. Of course this is under process. These grievances on interse
seniority will be considered at that time, under Section 64 (i) of the
North-Eastern Areas Re-Organisation Act and as such there should be no reasons
for doubt. At that time, after bifurcation, I would request the hon. Member that
if there is any case or cases, these should be brought to the notice of the
Government and they shall be looked into.

Shri M. N. Majaw :- Mr. Deputy
Speaker, Sir, it is not between the Government of Assam and Meghalaya, but the
point raised yesterday was that say, a junior person A or B is superseding his
seniors.

Shri W. A. Sangma (Chief Minister) :-
How can the hon. Member expect me
to reply to that unless specific
cases are brought here.

Shri E. Bareh (Minister for Agriculture)
:- Moreover, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, these people have come on deputation
even if we have to deal with their promotion, we have got to get in touch with
this Assam Government. Therefore, to put the whole blame only on this Government
is very unwise.

Shri F. K. Mawlot :- If we are to
take the words of the Minister correctly, that if the officers are still on
deputation, it is the duty of the Government of Assam to give them promotion.
But this is done by the Government of Meghalaya. This is very irregular.

*Shri W. A. Sangma (Chief Minister) :-
May I clarify the position, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. This is not the case
of promotion in the real sense. But the fact is this. We are not in a position
to get a senior man from Assam to be brought on deputation. So in that case, we
are giving adhoc promotions
from among the senior most persons under our set-up.

Shri P. R. Kyndiah :- Adhoc, I
presume temporary ?

Shri W. A. Sangma (Chief Minister) :-
Yes, temporary. That means when ultimately the right person
comes, those persons who are promoted
an adhoc basis cannot claim their seniority.

Shri H. Lyngdoh :- Mr. Deputy
Speaker, Sir, yesterday instances regarding
promotion in the Education
Department were brought to the notice of the Government. This is
regarding those S. I. of Schools, A. S. I. And D.I. of Schools. Whether they
are on adhoc basis or not ? (At this stage the Deputy Speaker, left the Chamber
and Shri H. Hadem, M. L. A. took the Chair.)

Mr. Chairman. :- I think the
discussion has become otherwise
thorny on this motion. The motion was discussed and the Government has fully
given the necessary replies. So, I think I should
close this discussion at this stage as far as this
motion No.7. is concerned. Now let us come to No.8 and I request the Prof. Majaw
to move the motion.

Prof. M. N. Majaw :-
Mr. Chairman, Sir, I move
that this House do now consider the
steps to encourage the growth of
Cottage Industries in the State.

Mr. Chairman :- Motion moved. Now
call upon the hon. Member to initiate the discussion.

Prof. M.N. Majaw :-Mr. Chairman,
Sir, this is not a very long item, like employment. But this is very important.
We know that there are hundreds and thousands of villages in far-flung corners
of the State where small cottage industries thrive. They are not industries, but
they merely provide enough subsistence for a family from their weaving baskets
or cloths or making cane and bamboo goods or bee-keeping or tailoring. But what
assistance or aid or encouragement do these cottage industries receive
from the Government ? That is the question at issue today. When we travel down
to Gauhati, we see mammoth buildings
coming up near Byrnihat, big
industries and many of them owned or run by persons from outside and certainly,
with the blessings of this Government. So, we sometimes wonder whether the small
industrialists, the small farmers and the small weavers in the remote villages
of this State receive as much attention and
patronage as do these rich traders who come from as much attention and patronage
as do these rich traders who come from outside the State at Byrnihat and in
other parts of the State and in Garo Hills also. I feel, Mr. Chairman, Sir, that
more emphasis should be laid on cottage industries than upon these big
industries. In the first place, almost all of our people are poor and their
means of livelihood is limited and the Government is often faced with
the problems of economy and also with the problems of supply. How to feed
these people? In fact, there are areas today in the State where the people are
almost starving or dying of neglect. Now, one of the ways through which the
Government could help to solve the economic problem and the supply problem is
through encouraging cottage industries in numerous parts of the State. But for
that, what is required is touring and how many officers tour? There are hundreds
of villages in this State where, I think, they have never seen the face of an
officer. There are areas where the people are experts in weaving in their
traditional forms of cottage industries but the officers have never visited
these villages to encourage the people and to guide them and to
instruct them on how to improve their methods of industry. Now, it is
no use maintaining, Mr. Chairman, Sir, a big office here in Shillong with
a plethora of officers unless they go down to the grass-roots and personally
inspect the little cottage industries of our villagers. It is no use maintaining
large offices here while the real artisan, who is actually working, is being
neglected; and it is no use spending huge sums of money for maintaining colossal
industries estates- we know for whom these are set up- when artisans of our
State are suffering. So I carefully propose to the Government that the
Industries Department, which is top heavy in a sense with its officers fond or
warming their seats in the offices, should send their officers to the villages
to wear out the sole of their shoes by travelling in almost every village and
there they will and some artisans proficient in cottage industries. There
various kinds of cottage industries and we have seen some of the by-products but
when these come to Shillong, they are locked up in the almirah. That is all. Now
the Government will say “ Here we have a long list of the people who are
getting loans or grants for cottage industries”. That, Mr. Chairman, Sir, is a
big hoax. It is a hoax upon the economy, upon the State and upon the people I
had occasion in the past to speak on the manner in which these grants are given
out. Normally, say in this district about 150 people will get the grants
–small cottage industries grants – of say, between Rs. 250 and Rs. 300 but
that famous office here in Shillong during the last year and the year before
last had produced more than 4000 forms cyclostyled forms, and although actually
250 to 300 persons would apply, they cyclostyled more than 4000 forms. And we
know for a fact that they are collecting Re.1 per form; and there are some
people doing business in forms-
buying 10 forms and then selling
them in the village at Rs.5 each. Then the poor villagers come here in Shillong
to meet us and we recommend them but we used to tell them clearly “Be sure”,
you cannot get this grant “ and if by chance…….

(Interruption)

They are all genuine.

Shri S. P. Swer :- On a point of
clarification, Sir, is it a fact that this Government Department is collecting
Re. 1 per form?

Prof. M. N. Majaw :- It is a
left-handed collection or an under –the table
manoeuvre or done behind the screen. The poor people come here and they have to
submit a scheme together with a form. Then there
is a rate paid for the scheme fixed at Rs. 50. Once some of us get together and
typed out some model schemes. But when they took these model schemes to the
office, the person in charge said “No, you must take the scheme from me”
which means Rs. 50. So, Sir, they have to
pay Rs. 50 for the scheme and Re.1 for the form and the poor applicant is given
the assurance “Don’t you worry.
I am here. You will get it. But you must come to my house tomorrow morning”.
So, the applicant goes to his house next tomorrow
morning and whatever happens we can only guess. Then the man would be asked to
come after a week and then after month. In this way, the applicant has to spend
Rs. 20 or 30 for travelling up and down over and above the expenses on tea for
the officer and also something else for his House. In this way, Sir, the poor
people are living on this false hope. I know
of a case of a man from Raitong who had to spend
Rs. 400 and, ultimately he got only a grant of Rs. 250.

(Interruption)

This is happening every year. But why cannot the Government insist upon the
officers that only a limited number of forms should be insisted and also that no
money should be taken for the schemes. Government can certainly provide free
model schemes. In the tailoring scheme, the applicants should be given a
tailoring scheme free of cost……..

Shri S. D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister,
Industries) :- Sir, I would like to have a clarification, when the hon.
Member mentions Rs. 50 per scheme is it an official fee or an under the
table-left handed money ?

Prof. M. N. Majaw :- It is not an
official money. However, it is known to everyone that in the industries Office
anybody can get a scheme if money is paid. So, I would like to suggest to the
Government that they should not spend much of their time on grants alone when
the money at the disposal of the Government is very limited. Besides, everybody
cannot be satisfied and so the Government should give grants to only a limited
number of persons, say, about 150 so that the amount of grant given to each is
quite substantial. So, Mr. Chairman, Sir, instead there should be more field
staff who would go to the interior and also Government should appoint honest
fields staff who would not be rather a burden on the people of the villages by
asking chickens drinks, etc., from them. As I said, let there be reasonable
honest persons who would go to the interior to instruct our people teach them
and encourage them in cottage industries instead of sitting here in Shillong.

Shri Winstone Syiemiong :- Mr.
Chairman, Sir, while taking part in
the discussion on encouragement of cottage industries in the State. I feel that
one of the most important factors in this respect is to have markets for the
produce of our cottage industries. I do not know to what extent our Government
has been able to create marketing facilities
but the fact remains that unless we have a market for these produces of
our cottage industries in the rural areas, it is
meaningless to encourage cottage industries. As a matter of fact, our
people in the villages can produce many articles, as for example, smoking pipes.
If property encouraged, I am sure, these smoking pipes will not only get markets
in India but also abroad as a fine handicraft. Not only smoking
pipes, there are other local handicrafts like doas, knives, etc,. and
if proper marketing facilities can be provided, I believe, it will
augment our resources to a great extent. In this connection, I would like to
urge upon the Government to see while encouraging cottage industries that steps
should also be taken to have some research to improve the quality of our
products so that there will be a demand in the market. As for example we have
got these bamboo mats which cost
nowadays Rs. 200 or so and which are far superior to other types of carpets
which are brought from outside the
State. But since there is no research we cannot improve
the quality or style of the materials. So Mr. Chairman, Sir, I would
request the Government to under take some research in our handicrafts and also
to secure markets for our products. Moreover, I would
also request the Government to appoint
more officers to go to the interiors and encourage cottage industries but
not as at present that some one will go just to enquire from one man just
to find out the number of applicants and one of that basis he will make
some recommendation without going into the merits of a particular case.
Therefore, Mr. Chairman, Sir, I would request the Government to appoint more
officers in this Department. Thank you.

Shri B. B. Shallam :- Mr. Chairman,
Sir, I would like to take part in this Motion and I would certainly fall in line
with she hon. Mover of the motion in the matter of encouraging small scale
industries in the State especially in the far flung areas. To my knowledge the
Government has taken various steps to encourage this cottage industries. But one
thing I cannot understand why the mover of the months has stated that nothing
has been done by the Government. But I would
like to inform the House that so far as Jaintia Hills District is concerned,
visible progress in cottage industries has been made such as potteries,
carpentries etc. But what I feel more imperative is that the people who are
getting grants or loans from the Government should be really deserving. The
officers who would recommend the cases may have some weakness for some one but
they should not recommend any one who is not deserving. They should verify
carefully.

Mr. Chairman :- I think there is a
Sub-committee for that.

Shri B. B. Shallam :- But the
Sub-committee has to depend on the verification of the officers. I know there
are many cases where the most deserving candidates have been deprived of
grants.

Mr. Chairman :-
I think this cases a reflection on the Government since a sub-committee
has been constituted to consider the matter very carefully.

Shri B. B. Shallam :- In any case,
what I feel is that we should take all possible steps to see that the officers
concerned go on touring the far flung areas and find out he really deserving
people. As for example last time, in the matter of distribution of sewing
machines a long list was prepared of the people who are really tailors. With
these few words, I resume my seat.

Shri Hopingstone Lyngdoh :- Mr.
Chairman, Sir, I would also like to participate in this motion moved by my
friend, the hon. Member for Mawhati. Sir, there
is great scope for the development of industries in this State. So far as we are
concerned, we are only a new born State and we have not yet been able to take up
big industries or major industries.
This is the time that we are contemplating to make an approach towards
development of industries . According to my opinion Sir, I think
this is also the time where
we should gear up our machinery in the pace of development of our industries and
agriculture in the State which are the most vital subjects of the State. So Sir,
I don’t see any reason why we cannot develop industries in our State when we
have got enough raw materials. However, as far as we are concerned, I do not
claim that our tribal people are better craftsman, than other people in India or
other State. But if we are given a chance I can claim that we are second to
none. Mr. Chairman, Sir, in so far as development of industries in our State is
concerned, we have seen that the Government is more keen for big industries or
major industries like the one which was recently built in Byrnihat. But the idea
of developing our small industries, cottage industries which are already in
existence since time immemorial is far from their mind. We have seen. Sir, that
there is great scope for the expansion of these small industries in the State. I
do not know whether this Government
is only adopting what they have
been instructed from Delhi or of the erstwhile Assam State regarding the
approach to develop electricity here in this State.

Shri Hopingstone Lyngdoh :- Yes,
Sir, but I am comparing the mode of approach in the development of cottage and
major industries. Because, it seems the Government is more keen for big
industries or major industries than
on cottage industries. They have proposed also
to set up big power projects under the Electricity Board by taking up this big
scheme in the Umiam, Umkhen and Kynshi Rivers which will cost crores of rupees.
In implementing these projects our projects would have on the other side of
development like agriculture and its allied activities. You know Sir, those big
Hydroelectric dam will reduce the
area of cultivable in the State. So. Sir, it is through these small industries
or medium industries that our people can prosper and get easy approach to
development. Sir, if at all we develop electricity potentiality and also the
cost of construction will be less and
economical but there is no denying the fact that those big scale projects would
invite colonization of the people from the outside world to come to our State in
future. And if we develop small scale industries
and if we allow them to thrive all over the State where the raw materials
are available readily at site this will give a chance to our people to come
forward to work and organize those Small industries. Otherwise, a time will come
when this State of ours will be colonized by certain outsiders in those areas
where big projects were taken up.
Of course, we have not yet experienced about strike, agitations like those big
projects in other State. But Sir, I can tell for sure that when these big
projects are there, workers will set the chance to organize there will be scope
for such disturbances in the field of development in this State. So Sir, if the
Government would take proper care right now to develop small scale
industries in our State the future
prospect of development will be very bright, for example there is scope to do
so, say the brooms which we have seen in Iew-Duh or Barabazaar. People used to
bring those broomsticks from the interior of Ri-War or Bhoi area like Nongpoh.
These things got accumulated there in Iew-Mawlong Hat and
then exported to Bombay, West Bengal. In
Bombay and Calcutta they dressed those broomsticks with modern techniques
in their more advanced and luxurious way in there scale industries and
then they sent back the broomsticks to Shillong
where the people rushed to buy
there luxurious broomsticks which
have been prepared in West Bengal
and Maharashtra though these are originally produced from Shillong and carried
there by traders. We have seen that those raw
materials can be produced is sufficient quantity in this State, the
benefit there from always goes outside to the industrialists in other State.
Now-a-days, we know that these grassed
and bamboos are in great demand all over the world for some kins of
decorations that can be made out of them. These grow in plenty
in the War and Bhoi areas of our State of which we cannot make any useful
products whereas they were greatly demanded in the advanced world because they
can be turned out into several
useful items in other parts of the country. Moreover, Sir, we
would like to stress the need to develop small scale industries in the
State in order that our people can establish
and employ themselves in them and that their products will find good
market in the outside world which today needs them very much. There is one kind
of leaf grown in the bushes and jungles of our State. Some people used to
collect these leaves and dry them and send them out as they
are mostly required in other State. They say that this kind of leaf fern
like thing finds good market even in the city like Delhi for use in certain
small scale industries. This leaf after having been processed was sold there at
a very good price. So these things can well be encouraged development of cottage
industries. Our people can be
taught in modern painting arts and crafts and a lot of other things can be done
and produced here which can be reported
to other State and even
outside.

Even in mental works also our people have got a lot of dexterity and
skill to manufacture good mental for selling anywhere in the State. For example,
blacksmithy at Mylliem, is quite popular and is known, all over the State for
its good knives, spades and daos and other implements that are produced by the
blacksmithy of Mylliem. These articles can be improved
and given a better design if Government encourage the blacksmithy who
produces them.

Then, Sir, I come to cutlery found mostly in Laitlyngkot and Mylliem. Our
people as I said are very adept in
making cutleries which are even far better from those of foreign countries. But
people are doing in a small way without any help from the Government. I believe
if more incentive and encouragement are given to the manufacturers in any form,
those articles could get a wide market in some other parts of the country also.
The indigenous cutlery articles produced
at Laitlyngkot and Mylliem are comparatively better
and more durable than those produced in big factories of foreign
countries, or in India, and their
prices are also comparatively
cheaper than those of other big factories. So Sir, if these small industries can
be improved by means of grants or loans or any assistance given by Government,
even if can be found all over the
country and even throughout the world.
Out State is rich in many materials for developing cottage industries such as
bamboo and cane works, handicrafts, weaving tailoring, woodcrafts, and many
other small things. Our people are also industrially minded and if they are
given any incentive in the Shape of grants or financial help from the Government
then they can produce even better articles than other parts of the country.
Thereby they can augment the revenue of the State to a great extent. Our
State will prosper both industrially and economically in future.

We know, Sir, that Japan has become one of the greatest industrial
countries in the world. It has beaten down other high industrialized countries
of the world. It has captured a large market for its manufactured goods through
out the world. The Japanese people are very industrious and skilled people. Sir,
just after the Second World War of 1945, Japan has progressed both industrially
and economically and has been able
to establish herself into one of the highly developed and most industrialized
countries of the world. Right from the start, her people tried to manufacture
many articles and many small and big scale industries have been set up by them.
Step by step they built up the industries of the country till it now earn the
greatest reputation in the world.
This is because the Government also helped to set up many cottage and large
scale industries. Many facilities of
building up industries are given by
the Government. Therefore, Japan could produce good artisans, good
craftsmen, good technicians and engineers and good manufacturers. The people are
also laborious and they can bring out many products fine products in Japan and
the Government itself thought of finding a good market throughout the world the
first instance when those first or
second products has no
markets Government itself bought them and auctioned them thereby
encouraged the people to produce better quality. So Sir, Japan now has become
one of the greatest manufacturers good in the world.

So also, Sir, here in our State we have got ample scope to develop our
cottage industries as well as many medium industries because, as I said, we are
rich in raw materials for these things. We have got everything here. With these
few words, I think the Government will agree with me to develop the cottage
industries in the first instance and then medium industries and so on and so
forth in our State. Thank you.

Shri H. E. Pohshna :- Mr. Chairman,
Sir, while taking part in this decision, I would like to give one suggestion
which in my mind I think will help
the department of cottage industries of the Government. Sir, hundred and
thousand of sewing machines have been distributed to different areas of the
State. Not only that, grants have also been given to those people who are
interested in cane and bamboo industries and also in blacksmith and some other
cottage industries of the State. But Sir, the question is whether
those grants have been distributed to the power deserving persons or not
? This is a question for the
Government to find out. Ways and means should be found out to investigate into
the matter and see whether grants have been distributed to those deserving
persons and whether the money has
been utilised strictly for the purpose of such cottage industries or not. For
the last two years incentives have been given how to improve
and develop cottage industries
in different parts of the State. But Sir, you will be surprised
to learn that people used to say- if you want to get grant or financial
help from the Government for your cottage industry, join the Ruling party,. It
appears that politics play an important role
in the industry, of grants. Sir, there are instances where the Sub-committee of
the Blocks have granted some people
with some sewing machines, and also some grants have been given for blacksmithy
and carpentry in different areas of the State. But if, for example, a carpentry
in different areas of the State. But if, example, a carpenter happens to be from
the Opposition side, or one who supports the opposition party attempt were made
to deprive him other agents. It was told that there is one case in which to the
C. E. M. or the Members of the sub-committee of the block asked B. D. O. to give
the grant to him and he again will give it to the grantee but it was told that
the grant was not given to the man because he belongs to the other party.

Sir, once I have forwarded some applications for making
enquiry and no action has been taken. Moreover, Sir, in the year 1972, I
know some sewing machines and some grants were distributed on the recommendation
of the Committee constituted by the
D. C. Jaintia Hills. The D. C. then convened
a meeting of all M. D. C.s
and M. L. A. and distribution has been made of the people of different areas who
have been recommended by local representatives. But Sir, on this procedure was
latter on changed and a committee was constituted
with the majority member of
the Ruling Party. Usually grants were given on the recommendation of the Enquiry
Officer but now those who do not
get his recommendation do not get the grants but only these who get of the
recommendation representative of the ruling party, get the
grants.

So there was a complain from those poor people who did not receive any
grants that only those applicants who belong to the Ruling Party get all grants.

Mr. Chairman :-
Mr. Pohshna do you mean to say that preference
will be given to the members of the Ruling Party.

Shri H. E. Pohshna :- Yes, Sir,
thank you for that. That is the
general practice of giving grants. Now when application have
been invited from the genuine persons of the State, the genuineness has
been defined from the political point of view………….(laughter). I
am always very frank Mr. Chairman Sir.

Mr. Chairman ; Then
why don’t you join this side ?

Shri H. E. Pohshna :- If I am on
that side I will not be able to point out anything, but this side at least I can
point out something. Ten another
distribution policy of grants was made latter, i.e., by a board –a
notification was made that in the Jaintia Hills the following members are to
constitute a Board.

Shri B. B. Shallam :-
He said that that is the practiced procedure.

Shri H. E. Pohshna :- In my
constituency , if you require about the total sewing machines that are
distributed last year you will fine that 9/10th of the sewing
machines were granted to one particular village which supported the Ruling party
and the rest of the Constituency did not get even 1/10th of the
grant.

Mr. Chairman :-
It may be also be for the reason that in that particular village there
are real artisans, and as such the
number will be more.

Shri H. E. Pohshna :- Sir, the real
artisans are defined according to
the opinions of the Members of the Boards. Therefore, Sir, I would
like to suggest to the Government that a team or an Enquiry Committee be
appointed to enquire into a verify as to which destination these hundreds and
thousands of sewing machines and tools for carpentry have
gone. Otherwise, if you go
to the market at Musiang Bazaar and ask the
people who are making knives, making mats (shylliah), who are making
muras, cane chairs whether they have got grants from the Government which
they will say “no”-Real artisans are not getting grants.

Shri B. B. Shallam :- They do not
make knives and cane chairs in the Bazaar….

(Laughter)

Mr.
Chairman :- Local knives were brought to the bazaar for sale.

Shri H. Enowell Pohshna :- So I
suggest that we go together and ask those people who are making knives,
and settling them, those who are making cane chairs and are having
cottage industries, and enquires from them if they were ever getting
loans, whether the real people, who are supplying knives in the market, who is
being cane materials to the market whether they have got
grants or not. My point here is to suggest to the
Government that when we talk on the important subject of cottage
industries, since in Meghalaya about 90 per cent of them are still living in
cottage, to verify and to make some enquiries whether the grants have gone
to proper people or not. Secondly, Sir, I think this way of constituting
to the proper people or not. Secondly, Sir, I think this way of
constituting the Board mostly by M. D. Cs and M. L. A. is not so good
because M. L. As and M. D. C.s have got some obligation. If a headman or a
Secretary of the local committee or the leader of the polling agent
approached the Members for grants or loans, naturally something will be
there. Therefore, Sir, I would request in this also that something should
be done in order to see that the basic principle of the Government should
not be spoiled by discrimination. Thirdly, before taking my seat, I would like
to say that growth of cottage industries in the State depends wholly
upon the schemes of the Government. And what is the scheme I would like to
stress on the same thing and make a concrete suggestion that a team or a
committee or a sub-committee be appointed to go into the matter in
details, e.g., in Garo Hills Members from Garo Hills will form a
Committee in that District, in Khasi Hills, Members from Khasi Hills will form a
committee in that District and also in Jaintia Hills, members will form a
committee in that District with all the M. L. As and M. D. C.s to find out what
has become of the various grants that have been distributed and also to
suggest ways and means for necessary change and now to improve the cottage
industries . With these few words , Sir. and with due respect to the
Minister-in-charge of Industries who happened to get a major portion of
criticism from this side of the House. But I would say that we are ready
to cooperate with the Government on condition that Government must also
cooperate with us. Government should also take our co-operation or
suggestions, but first let us study what has become of the various
grants that have been distributed and from then on we will be able to find
out ways and means in order to recommend what should be done to improve
the work of cottage industries in the State. Thank you .

Shri Rowell Lyngdoh :- Mr. Chairman,
Sir, I would also like to take part in this motion. The steps suggested to
encourage the growth of cottage industries in the State got show
that is really a very important subject. Sir. It is high time for the
Government to encourage the growth of cottage industries in the State
because as you know, Sir, self-employment is mostly generated through
these cottage industries. As many hon. Members who have spoken before me
have said, everywhere specially in the Border Areas, people are
engaging themselves in the cottage industries, but of course these is lack
of guidance from the Government. We know, Sir, that this State of ours
once was very famous in cottage industries and many of the people were experts
in these lines. But slowly they forget this important subject of
cottage industries and as such many of the materials, and articles which are
using now have to be bought from outside or from the big factories at a
higher rate although the quality is not so good. Therefore, it is time that
Government should encourage the people in this line. Many types that
Government should nearly been forgotten . The making of herbs for curing the
disease or for curing the patients and a lot of others.

Mr. Chairman :- Is that also to be
classed as an industry ?

Shri Rowell Lyngdoh :- Then in
that case, distillation also has to be classed as a cottage industry.

Shri Rowell Lyngdoh :- If you
approve, we can also . Then making of agricultural tools and implements is one
of the cottage industries. In olden days , people manufactured
spades, daos and other articles from the iron extracted from our own
areas. But now-a-days , we are no more depending on our own cottage industries,
but we are bringing them from some factories outside the State. Therefore,
Sir, we would like that Government should have a proper principle and
policy for encouraging the small-scale and cottage industries in the State. A
lot of money has been spent by the industries Department with the aim to
encourage the people in the development of cottage industries. But as it is now,
we have not benefited much from the money which was spent by this
Department. It may be because the Government officials or the officials
entrusted with the jobs of guiding or teaching the people in the
line are not so much interested or because they do not know anything
what cottage industries mean. It may be also due to lack of training or lack of
guide and policy of the office. It seems that our people have forgotten cottage
industries , which they used to do in olden days. So I feel that Government
should encourage the people to revive them. The Government should send its
trained officials who have the real desire to develop this type of industry .
But as we have heard from many hon. Members that even grants which have been
given for development of cottage industries are not going to the proper persons.
Moreover Sir, the officials of the Government while going to help the people in
the villages for encouraging cottage industries, do things only for their own
interest and not for the interest of the people. Few years back, grants
were sanctioned for sewing machines. There are two types of machines Usha
and Merrit one is of superior quality and the other inferior quality. But the
amount of grant given is the same. Naturally, the price of a better
quality sewing machines is higher.

Mr. Chairman :- According to
you, which one is better ?

Shri Rowell Lyngdoh :- I think,
Merrit is decidedly better and earlier. I do understand the reason why
Government should supply two types of sewing machines to those craftsman.
It may be because of the interest of the officials that these things are
done and not for the interest of the craftsman.

I would suggest that Government should grant licenses to many of the important
crafts and industries . Sir, in the State we have got many people who know even
to repair fire-arms. If these people are allowed by the Government to
repair the fire-arms, they can under the supervision of the Government, even
manufacture arms and rifles.

Mr. Chairman :- Whether that can be
done by the State Government ?

Shri Rowell Lyngdoh :- Why not ?
Even Manipur State also can do. They are known as Manipuri Rifles. Sir, as we
know, in the olden days the people used to medicinal herbs for curing disease.
If this also can be encouraged, it will be helpful to the so-called
country physicians and the State as a whole and that will give certain
employment to the people.

There are other spheres of cottage industries like forest products and mineral
products. If these can be given proper guidance by the Government, I think
that will go long way to develop our State and if Government consider the
steps brought forward by the hon. mover for encouraging cottage
industries, that will be beneficial to the whole State. With these few words,
Sir, I resume my seat.

Shri D. D. Lapang :- Mr. Chairman,
Sir, I would like to associate myself in the discussion of the motion brought
forward by the hon. Members from the other side. It is really a very important
item so far as development of part of our State is concerned. We would very much
appreciate if Government pay more attention to the development of
the cottage industries than encouragement of big industries because cottage
industries are the items which our local people can take part through
traditional arts and crafts . Sir it is an admitted fact that this Department so
far my knowledge goes, has been trying its best in a very short time
to improve cottage industries and the activities of the Department to the
best of their ability inspite of so many drawbacks. It has come to my knowledge
that during the period of two or three years the items of cottage
industries in our State have been increased with leaps and bounds in comparison
with the number industries in the erstwhile Assam Government. Now we are
very proud to know that there are units of cottage industries in our
State like the Eastern Enterprise Ltd. for making hospital equipments and
appliances. We did not have this industry while we were with Assam. But now we
are having it in our State and more of this type of industries are coming
up. There are motor works and two or three weaving centres where we are having
our people trained even from the interior and also we are having carpentry
training school.

I came across many candidates who came to me for certificates. They are applying
for carpentry industry and I came to know yesterday itself that the training in
this trade has been started. There, are also youths whom this Department sent to
paper works Training Centre, and after finishing their training they can start
their won industrial and unit. This is very commendable. At Nayabangalow very
lose to my home town, there is a big workshop of the Government and this
workshop supplies as much as 50 percent of the requirements of the Government of
furniture and other things through the Government Cottage Industrial unit. It is
a thing to be noted with great appreciation. Mr. Chairman, Sir, regarding the
items which we have got in our State, which have been clearly exhibited in the
last industrial exhibition where myself and most of our colleagues have the
privilege of observing and we have seen the performance of the Industrial
Department and without any rhyme or reason we can simply comment on this
Department, which has achieved a great deal.

Regarding grants, hon. friend had the occasion to mention that the members of
the Board are considering on the merit of being a member of the ruling party or
something like that. I am privileged to say that I am also one of the members of
the Board in this District and I am also one of the hon. Member from Mawprem who
happen to be a member of the Board for will agree with me that there is no such
intention on the part of the Board to consider only the cases of the people who
support the ruling party will be distributed grants. Matter are considered in
view of the merits of the case and if such a case really occurred in Jaintia
Hill, then I think it is very unfortunate and things should be rectified. I do
not accept that it is the Government policy ; in the matter of selection of
grantee to base their consideration only if the point is that the members
of the ruling party will get preference, then there may come a time when the
majority is from the other side as such the grants will be given to the other
side. I cannot accept that contention and I have no knowledge that grants were
allocate on that ground. I can speak with full confidence that in this District
no such thing occurred, Mr. Chairman, Sir, it is an admitted fact (Interruption)..
.. ..

Shri H.E. Pohshna :- Mr. Chairman,
Sir, my point is that an Enquiry Committee should be set up to see whether it is
a fact or not, that the grantee should be a member of the ruling party.

Shri E. Bareh (Minister , Agriculture)
:- Is it mentioned in the application like that ?

Mr. Chairman :- You see, the
suggestion for constituting an Enquiry Committee for any unspecified charge or
suggestion is not right. If any specified fact is placed before the House, that
is a different matter. But I do not think that a committee had to be
appointed and enquiry is to be made for each and every allegation Perhaps the
Minister will clarify.

Shri D.D. Lapang :- Of course, it is
a fact that there is something which I want to suggest to the Government
regarding the distribution of sewing machines. Sir, Government has stated
that only persons who pass the training will get the advantage of
having sewing machines.

Mr. Chairman :- That was continued
at the later stage when the applications were received.

Shri D. D. Lapang :- This year also.

Mr. Chairman :- Last year.

Shri D. D. Lapang :- Last year it
was like that but the Government after pressure, feels that others also
should get and not only the trainees who are undergoing training. Because it is
found that those who passed the training will get the advantage of
getting a machine, whereas an experienced tailor because of poverty could not
get a machine although in comparison he may earn more. So in order to do
justice.

Sir, we have raised this
question and the Government has introduced the form which has been
distributed and those candidates who pass from the training will be
considered to have the advantage of getting a sewing machine other than
tailors who by experience know tailoring those people who know from experience.
For example, in Shillong or Jowai you will see that the people who do tailoring
in Bara bazaar or Iawmusiang, know better and earn more than those who
have just passed from the training. But they do not get much chance
even to get a machine and Government should consider this aspect of the
matter.

One more point, Mr.
Chairman, Sir, before I resume my seat, it comes to my
knowledge that there is dearth of officers for supervision of this
offices. As the hon. Member correctly stated that the administration was not run
properly due to lack of supervision because due to shortage of officers,
So I request Government to see that officers are appointed in sufficient
number to deal with the work very effectively. It also comes
to my knowledge that so far as the District office is concerned, Government does
not pay much attention to the employees in the Directorate of
Cottage Industries office. They have been working there for 10,15, or 20
years and some of them went on retirement before they were getting
confirmed. Since they were not made on retirement before they were getting
confirmed. Since they were not permanent they were not given all the
facilities extended to some of the offices. So as a result they have lost
the incentive and interest in their work. I would to request the
Government to look to the interest betterment and welfare of the employees
Mr. Chairman, Sir. Lastly, while appreciating the achievement and progress
of this Department I will put forward this suggestion also that the
Government should see its way to improve the Cottage Industries in our State.

Shri F. K. Mawlot :-Mr. Chairman,
Sir, I would like ........

Mr. Chairman :-Please note that
there are as many as eight Motion listed for today and if you want to stick to
this one Motion, then please continue.

Shri F. K. Mawlot :- It seems
there is no hope of taking up the other motions today. They will be
lapsed. So, Mr. Chairman, Sir, first of all, I want to emphasis more on
point raised by the hon. Member from Mawkyrwat regarding the
encouragement by the Government to this local talent. Why I say local talents ?
There are people who can even manufacture guns or any type of rifle, but they
were not taken into consideration. We need thousands of guns for protection of
our crops from being destroyed by animals in Garo Hills, Khasi Hills as well as
in Jaintia Hills.

We have to purchase all these guns from outside the State and most of them
are manufactured in Manipur, Calcutta and somewhere else. If the
Government help the local people to obtain license to manufacture or just
simply to repair the guns which are damaged that would partly solve the
problem of employment and also improve the economy of the
State.

Shri S. P. Swer :- Mr. Chairman,
Sir, I would like to point out that while speaking the Member should speak from
his own seat.

Mr. Chairman :- I should like to
remind the House that as a rule, the Member while speaking should occupy
his own seat and should not move from one seat to another. This will
uphold the sense of decorum and decency of the House.

Shri F. K. Mawlot :- Thank you for
the correction though I am speaking here from the Congress Bench or the
ruling bench but from my original bench.

Mr. Chairman :- My being is to
protect the rules and not to suppress them. A Member while taking part in the
discussion should speak from his own seat according to the rules.

Shri F. K. Mawlot :- Mr. Chairman,
Sir, first of all while entering the House I also tried to observe the rules
that I should not cross the hon. Member who was speaking at that very time. So I
have just occupied this very seat.

Why I wanted to stress on this point is that Government should help them
to obtain licenses. I do not know whether the State Government is competent
enough to issue license.

Mr. Chairman :- Whether there
is anybody who has applied for licenses ?

(Voices : There are many).

Shri F. K. Mawlot :-There are many
applicants but no one knows what is the fate of those applications. We know for
a fact, Mr. Chairman, Sir, that there are many local talents,
especially in the Maharram Syiemship, Mawsynram and Nongstoin area though
we have not taken the statistics. I am sure there are more
than 200 people who can repair guns and this has been checked up by
Government. Those people who were earning their livelihood
from this trade have been stopped and have become helpless. Mere I may
cite one example. There is one gentlemen from Laitkseh, he is a
limping man and he cannot go to the field and till the soil but still he is
earning his livelihood by repairing old guns. But when this was checked
up he was barred and not allowed to repair guns anymore and now he had to
depend his life on others. Well, Mr. Chairman, Sir, if the State
Government really wants to help the local talents to go ahead with their
profession and utilize their genius I expect that the economy
of the State would have been better.

Shri S. P. Swer :-Mr. Chairman, Sir,
while listening to the discussion on this particular Motion, I feel that I
also should take part in the discussion and make some suggestions to the
Government. The hon. Mover of the Motion, and also the hon. Member from
Nongtalang have brought forward various types of cottage industries and also
suggested the steps to encourage the growth of the cottage industries and
especially the hon. Member from Nongspung has touched the most important point,
that is marketing and research of the products of our cottage industries
which are still in their traditional form. We find that our people who are
engaged in these cottage industries are struggling with great
difficulty how to find good market for their products. As I used to mention in
this august House, the people who are engaged in these cottage industries
are facing difficulty to sell their products at a reasonable price as is
expected. There is one traditional industry which thrives very well in the
southern slopes of the State and that, Bee Keeping Industry. The bee
keepers, on more than one occasion, especially those from Cherra, Shella
and Pynursla side, always complained that they could not sell
honey at a good price as they expected. In order to encourage this
traditional cottage industry, the Government should take steps how to
improve the quality of honey products of the bee keepers. We know
that honey which is known by the name Orange, Honey is famous in this country of
ours and I believe it has established its reputation not only in this country
of ours but abroad also. And as you know, because our bee keepers are
poor, they cannot afford to stock honey and sell it to the consumers
direct, but they have to sell it through the traders, and these traders in
course of transportation of the same to the consumers, resorted to large
scale adulteration of this pure honey. Now if, the Industries Department would
take the initiative and prepare a scheme under which this honey can be
processed in order to get pure honey, and also if the Industries Department
could set up a cell which will consists of a laboratory where there will
be certification of the honey, I hope the reputation of our honey which comes
from the traditional industry in our State will not be lost. And another
suggestion that I would like to make is that there should be proper
co-ordination for the growth of the Cottage Industries at all levels of
the Industries Department which deals with the major and small scale Industries
and large scale industries. The point that I am trying to make out is this.
Those products or products produced by the Cottage Industries have not
attained the final stage, I mean the Industries which produce those products
which have yet to attain the final stage fit to be called as
finished products.

(At this stage Shri W. Syiemiong as
Chairman, occupied the Chair.)

I may cite an example. We have many cultivators who cultivate pine apple and
other fruits. Now those people can be encouraged to take up the canning of
fruits in the form of a cottage industry. That is at the first stage, they will
produce the juice and the juice be preserved and
sent to a Canning factory which is supposed to be a large scale Canning
Industry. Thus, we will get other products from this juice collected or
produced by these people in the form of cottage industry. Mr. Chairman,
Sir, as regards the other steps taken by the Government to encourage the
growth of Cottage Industries in the State. I do not find any of the Members who
would dispute the policy of the Government in encouraging the artisans as
an incentive to improve their own trade. And for those enterprising
artisans, who want to improve their own trade in a bigger way, there are loans
which the Industries Department used to grant to those applicants. Therefore,
Mr. Chairman, Sir, the only point which is very much in dispute is only the
selection of those grantees. I think the selection varies from one District to
another District. In this District of Khasi Hills as the hon. Members from
Nongpoh has very correctly stated the applicant recommend by the
Committee set up for this purpose, whether a Member belongs to any community, we
do not take that to be a criterian and it is still more difficult to say that
the applicant has his political affiliation to this party or that party. It is
still very difficult and that is the charge which I cannot accept and
which is also untrue and that is not criterion for selection of grantees.
Therefore, Mr. Chairman, Sir, before I resume my seat, I feel that the
Industries Department while considering the steps to encourage the growth of
cottage industries in the State should also take the survey of the whole
situation as to whether these Cottage Industries in the traditional form are
still in existence and how to improve and how to encourage their
growth in future. With these few words, Mr. Chairman, Sir, I resume my seat.
Thank you.

*Shri. E. Kurbah :-Mr. Chairman,
Sir, I would like to take part in the motion moved by the hon. Member from
Mawhati. I am very glad, to note that the Industries Department is trying
its level best to accelerate the growth of cottage industries in the
State. But it is a matter for regret to say here that in spite of
its best efforts in giving grants-in-aid to our people actually most of them
have gone wrong because instead of going to the right persons, they have
gone to the wrong persons. Mr. Chairman, Sir, I would like to bring out
one point and that is whether it is a fact or not that the Selection Board of
Industries has already proposed that the distribution of sewing machines
should be given to only those persons who have passed out their training.

(At this stage, the Deputy Speaker occupied
the Chair).

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I for myself do not like to agree to this because
the reasons is that very few in our State have passed out this training in
sewing machines. What about the people in the rural areas? Many of them do
not have this qualification and so many of their applications for
sewing machines were rejected. In the matter of distribution of the sewing
machines many of the applicants have gone to many of the hon. Members saying
" What about us because we have already received a circular from the
Department that this year only those experienced persons would get the sewing
machines. But we also know the arts of sewing machines. So why should we
also not get the sewing machines any more ?" It is a sad thing because
the sewing machine is very important. So, Sir, I would request the
Government that since the Government is above the Board, the
matter of sewing machines should be considered again and not to give
only to those who have passed out the training but also to those persons who
know or have a little experience in sewing.

Then the other point which I would like to bring to the notice of the Government
is in the matter of distribution of sewing machines to the rural areas. Of
course, I cannot freely say that it is duplication but then some machines go
only to some other organisations. There is an organisation known as the Women's
Organisation and most of the machines they get from the Block and also from the
Industries Department. First preference was given to them. But Mr. Deputy
Speaker, Sir, here also I would like to say that they get the machines from the
Block and also from the Industries Department through the
recommendation of the Block. Some organisation exists only in name where there
is only one woman.

Shri S. P. Swer :- Mr. Deputy
Speaker, Sir, may I have a clarification from the hon. Members ? When were
those women's organisations organised and whether they are registered?

Shri F.K. Mawlot :-Mr. Deputy
Speaker, Sir, I think the hon. Member from Sohiong is mentioning only the
organisations which are registered because I know for a fact that even in my
constituency there are a number of societies which are registered.

Shri S.P. Swer :- But my question is
"when?"

Shri F.K. Mawlot :- Mr. Deputy
Speaker, Sir, for that we shall have to look into each and every organisation.

* Shri E. Kurbah :- So Sir, instead
of the deserving people getting the machines it is the organisation which is
getting and that organisation is actually only in name. That is why one after
another of these machines go to that organisation.

Mr. Deputy Speaker :- Do you mean to
say that the same organisation is getting the machines every year?

Shri E. Kurbah :- Yes, Sir, from the
Industries Department and also through the Block and it is for the Government to
enquire whether it is a fact or not.

One more thing, Sir, and that is on those persons are repairing guns. Many of
them have applied for license for repair of guns. So I would also request the
Government that the licenses prayed for by the applicants should be granted to
them so that they may be able to carry on their trade. With these few words,
Sir, I resume my seat.

Shri G. Mylliemngap :- Mr. Deputy
Speaker, Sir, while participating in the motion, first of all. I would like to
say that generally our people are agriculturists but agriculture is not a
whole-time job for our people. Therefore, I feel that encouragement of cottage
industries is a must so that the slack season or slack months which our people
are having can be utilised by engaging themselves in cottage industries. Mr.
Deputy Speaker, Sir, our tribal people have got some inborn skill in this
respect and what they only need is encouragement from the Government. In good
old days there were better centres especially in our Cherra side where the
people used to exchange their cast iron products with the people of Bangladesh.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, this in fact is only one of our cottage industries; we
are also having handloom industries and these handloom cottage industries were
very much appreciated by all quarters and some of our handloom cloths like muga
and dhara are being sent to foreign countries. Sir, these handloom products and
iron materials which we were producing once were defeated or rather shifted from
the original centre of production to another part of the country for lack of
encouragement and the difficulties they faced in the competition with those
properly organised agencies. In respect of iron when the British came over to
this land they were trying their best to do away with these indigenous materials
which we were producing and for our handloom the centre of production had been
shifted to plains. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the hon. Member from Cherra has
correctly pointed out that for lack of co-ordination and also for want of
markets our cottage industries are facing extreme difficulties. Sir, there
are so many other cottage industries which we can improve and bring up to the
standard for competition with the products from other parts of the country. In
case of bamboo products we know that Tripura has gone far ahead due to
encouragement from the Government for these types of cottage industries and now
they are capturing the market. In this respect I feel that our Government can
also encourages these types of industries also and by doing that, as I have
said, we need a market so that our indigenous producers can easily find an
outlet to sell their products. As it is now, our Emporiums have not yet taken up
the work in a proper line which I feel that Government will have more hands and
to encourage this sale emporium also to give encouragement to these indigenous
products. As regards granting of loans, Sir, I feel, the schemes which are still
following are the same stereotyped programmes which we have inherited from our
elder sister State of Assam. I feel that instead of giving grants to 200 or 300
cases it would be more purposeful if we can limit these grants only to real
deserving cases; instead of having 200 or 300 it would be better if we get only
20 genuine cases so that our real purpose is achieved. It is a fact that the
Industries Department is trying its level best to encourage development of
cottage industries but, as I said, our tribal people having some inborn skill in
this respect, I am sure, if the Government undertake a proper survey it may help
us to find out the suitable types of cottage industries which should be
encouraged, we will be able to earn foreign exchange and thus enhance the
country of the State. Thank you.

Shri S.D.D. Nichols-Roy (Minister,
Industries) :-Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, in reply, I was carefully noting down
the various points and I am sorry to say that I have heard very few concrete
suggestions that can really be implemented. There are certain suggestion raised
by Members in the form of non-implementation of schemes by the department.
However, I do not agree with the hon. Member from Cherra that there are certain
defects in the policy of the Government in regard to implementation of the
schemes. There might be one or two cases, that is a different matter. Now, I
would like to make certain points as to what are the programmes of the
Department of Industries for the development of cottage industries under the
Government of of Meghalaya. The role of the department in small scale and
village industries is to identify projects, arrange raw materials, grants loans,
arrange finance from the banks, give grant-in-aid wherever necessary, arrange
training of artisans inside and outside the State, etc. We have also formulated
a package scheme of incentives and finalised construction of industrial estates.
M.I.D.C. is also sending young businessmen to Entrepreneurs'
Training courses. You are also aware that we have recently invited officials of
small Industries Extension Training Institute of the Government of India to hold
orientation Courses for Industries Officers, who in turn, will train up
entrepreneurs. We are also seeking their assistance to prepare industrial fact
sheets which could be the basis for setting up small scale units. We were not
making satisfactory progress through National Small Industries Corporation in
hire purchase of machines. This is now proposed to be done through the
Industrial Development Corporation as per recent decision of the Cabinet. Now,
training is imparted to interested candidates in different training centres of
the State with stipends in trades like Carpentry, Black-smithy, Leather works,
Soap-making, Hand-made Paper-making, Tailoring, Knitting and Embroidery,
Bee-Keeping, Cane and Bamboo works. There is another programme for training of
artisans and candidates in trades, facilities for which do not exist in the
State. Training is arranged in recognised Institutions outside the State.

(At the stage the Speaker occupied the
Chair).

There is a provision for giving grants-in-aid in cash/kind to the passed out
trainees to start a trade independently in which the passed out trainees have
the know-how. There were criticisms expressed by the Member from Nongtalang
about the implementation of this programme and I would like to categorically
state Mr. Speaker, Sir, that there is no question whatsoever as to the
qualification of any person in that particular trade or for giving the grants to
the person who belongs to the Ruling Party. The policy of the Government is to
give grants, as the case may be, to the artisans and to the people who deserve
those grants. There are no specific cases where non-genuine person were given
and genuine persons were not given. But I may inform the Member that whenever
any deserving persons were not given such grants such cases should be brought to
the notice of the Government for enquiry. But I am not prepared to make an
enquiry on vague allegations to spend the time and money of the Government by
appointing an enquiry Committee or Commission, as the case may be. In any
way, there should be specific cases to correct any defect. It is not a fact, as
alleged by the member. that it is the Government policy to give grant or loan
only because a person is member of the Ruling Party that is not at all the
policy. Interested entrepreneurs are taken to industrial centres in different
parts of the country on Study Tours at Government expenses. This is one of the
programmes of the Department. In the Matter of development of cottage industries
the State Directorate of Industries co-ordinates with the programmes of the
Khadi and Village Industries Commission State Board and Handicrafts Board, which
is the programme for encouraging cottage industries in the State. So far as raw
materials are concerned, Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Industries Department helps Small
Scale Units in getting scare raw materials from the allotments received from
agencies under the Government of India and through the Raw Materials Depots at
Shillong, Tura and Jowai. Regarding Financial assistance, loans up to Rs. 2,500
are disbursed to artisans for setting up cottage industries at the District
level. Loans above Rs. 2,500 up to Rs. 20,000 are given for starting small scale
industries. The Directorate recommends to financial Institutions loan
applications of entrepreneurs for loans at concessional rates of interest. Some
members have mentioned about the problem marketing. This is certainly one of the
problems for cottage industries. There is an arrangement for disposal of
products manufactured by cottage Industries through the Sales Depots under this
Directorate though there is no sales emporium at present. Government Departments
may purchase stores from Cottage and Small Scale units by paying 15 per cent
higher rate as compared to Stores offered by large units under the Preferential
Stores Purchase Programme. The Member from Mawhati has mentioned about
appointing more officers for supervising touring works in the district and
the State as a whole. I may point out Mr. Speaker, Sir, to the Member concerned
that we have appointed Extension Officers of Industries in the Blocks and these
are the officers which were meant to look after the cottage industries in the
block level. They have to supervise and make suggestion wherever necessary at
the block level. Therefore, it is not necessary to appoint more people right
from the headquarters to make those tours because there are officers meant to do
this work at the Block level. For the block level and the district level we have
exhibitions so that the entrepreneurs, artisans can display their products and
sell them. Some months back an exhibition had been held here in this Districts
headquarters on an annual basis to popularise cottage industries products. It
has been announced also that such exhibitions would be held in the Districts
headquarters of Jaintia Hills Districts, Khasis Hills and the Garo Hills
District.

Mr. Speaker :- Will you take some
more time?

Shri S.D.D. Nichol-Roy (Minister,
Industries) :- I require a few more minutes, Sir. So these exhibitions help
the artisans cottage industrialists to exhibit their products where they were
selected in one way or other. Coming to incentives, Sir, grant of outright
capital subsidy/transport subsidy, refund of sales-tax are applicable to
cottage industries also. Now, Mr. Speaker, Sir, there was evidence
of criticism of the Department for encouragement raging the so-called
large scale industries. As a matter of fact, Mr. Speaker, Sir, only 3
industries have come up in the private sector at Byrnihat industrial
area and they should by no means be classified as large scale industries by the
Government of India. But they are medium scale industries. By encouraging
this, it improves the climate of Industrialisation for teaching our own people
ho to put up industries and to give employment to our people. But it
does not mean that this Government will not encourage or do anything
for the sake of small scale and cottage industries.

Mr. Speaker. :- Order please. Is it
the sense of the House that we sit till the Minister completes his reply.

( Voices: Yes, Yes).

Shri S. D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister,
Industries):- There are a number of small and cottage industries
coming into exercise after, Meghalaya attained its
full-fledged State in 1972. The figure that we have is 237 for
Khasi Hills 20 for the Jaintia hills and 134 for Garo Hills so far registered
under the Department of industries. However, every facility is being
given and sponsored by the Industries Department to encourage
cottage industries in the State to help our own people in the industrial
sector, to flourish. The Member from Cherra had mentioned about
Bee-Keeping and his suggestion for collection of honey and marketing
would be examined by the Government so that effective steps could be
taken to find out good market for this very good product of cottage
industries and we are thinking what can be done for encouraging this
particular industry.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Member from Pariong had made further reference
against big industries and not favoring cottage industries . Again I
would like to categorically state that there is no intention of the
Government to favour large scale industries over cottage industries.
But, Sir, we would like also to encourage big industries over
cottage industries. But, Sir, we would also like to encourage big
industries in our State in future and in particular our own
people should take up those trades which they feel they can manage.
The Member has also mentioned about generation of power in our
State. that we should take up small scale power generation schemes. But,
as I said earlier, these are often much more expensive.

Mr. Speaker :- They are less
economical.

Shri S. D. D. Nichols Roy (Minister,
Industries) :- Yes, I mean less economical than large scale projects. We
recognize the problem of colonizing by the outsiders and this is
certainly a problem that we have to look into when
industrialists from outside come, and that is why we have laid down the
policy that whenever any industry is set up whether by people from
inside or outside the State, employment should be given to people from within
the State to the largest extent possible.

The suggestion for setting up of a small scale industry for broom stick has been
made and we will have to look into the question. So also a collection of
dry leaves and ferns would certainly be done and .the trade can be given
to any one who can take it up. I think I was the one who had mentioned it
to the Member from Pariong about a friend from Kashmir who has been
exporting these dried ferns for decoration purposes even to foreign countries.
We must really assist and encourage anyone, as I said who would like
to take up such an industry or trade.

Well, Mr. Speaker, Sir,
I find very few concrete positive suggestions have been put forward,
but this is not the only forum or place that we would welcome suggestions
on how to develop or encourage cottage industries. The Department is
also ready to accept those suggestions at any time and in this connection,
we have set up committees for advising the Government in this regard. We would
therefore, welcome at any time any suggestion as to how we should develop
our cottage and small scale industries in our State. With these few words, I
conclude my reply and again would welcome from any side of the Home (a) any
corrections to any wrong implementation of the policy and (b) any suggestion to
be made both inside and outside the House. Thank you, Sir.

ADJOURNMENT

ADJOURNMENT SINE DIE.

Mr. Speaker :- The discussion is
closed. Now the House stands adjourned sine-dine.